Basilica di Santo Spirito

Made it out by noon and browsed some shops. Had coffee and a custard croissant (cheap and good). Browsed some more. Saw the main cathedral interior and the underneath crypts (really just a small exhibit showing some of the foundations).

Cathedral was impressively big - very high ceilings inside and the frescoes on ceiling and stained glass windows were beautiful. The crypts were a little underwhelming - not much to them and did learn much. But was included with our 48 hour duomo ticket so all good. Skipped the bell tower as the line was pretty big, and you can't book a time like you can with the dome (the bell tower is at the other end of the cathedral and slightly shorter but you can go up and get a good view of the city that includes the dome itself).

Visited the board game shop again but didn't buy anything. Walked back home for a quick rest then more wandering (mostly through the Oltr'arno area on the other side of the river). Looked at some jewellery on Ponte Vecchio but was out of our price range sadly. Had gelato. Was yum and cheap. Pizza slices for lunch. Had some birthday cupcakes too.

Home again for a bit and then dinner at Pint of View. A craft beer place with burgers and Korean food. Had a rye IPA beer and Gin and Tonic with a burger and Korean fried chicken. Was quite good - burger would have done well in Wellington on a Plate.

Home to pack and it's off to Venice tomorrow by train. Not the most exciting birthday but good fun. Have decided to delay celebrations to a more Wade-friendly location anyway! ☺Read more