It's almost Christmas in Florence, as we are 6 hours ahead.
We're getting ready to head to bed after a long, but fun day.
As John has said, after breakfast, we started the day with a visit to the Academia to see Michaelangelo's masterpiece David.
This is the second time I've been in his presence and all I can tell you is that it doesn't get old. It's hard to explain how a piece of stone can take your breath away.....but I can't imagine anyone seeing this and not realizing that they are in the presence of the product of greatness.
After David, we toured Florence in 32 degree rain. Never gonna complain about FL being cold again.
We visited the Ponte Vechio, the Duomo and then had a very good lunch.
After all that, we walked to Piazza San Croce, but the store that was suggested would be worth a visit was closed for the holiday. We jumped in a taxi and headed for the open air leather markets at San Lorenzo.
If you are looking for leather coats, boots, gloves, bags, luggage, belts etc......this is the place.
My biggest problem was limiting my choices. Not a bad problem to have.
Dinner was on our own tonight and the guides offered to help us make reservations. A bunch of us decided to go to dinner together and took the guides with us.
I had a delicious Tuscan soup called ribolite. It's a bean and vegetable soup with chunks of bread soaking in the broth. It's topped with a drizzle of olive oil and shaved parmesan. Also not a bad problem to have.
We have walked back to the hotel and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
It's now 11:16 and we are sleepy, so we are wishing all of you a Merry Christmas.
I hope Santa is generous with each everyone of you!
Buon Natale!
