Italy Trip- Florence Continued

 The next day was a rainy and very jam-packed day in Florence.  Our first stop was at the Duomo to see Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise". Wow! 2 doors took him 50 years. We had our main tour guide, Susanna, who was so great. But in each city, we would have a specialized tour guide. Someone that was an expert in that city. These were generally walking tours, and everyone in our group had ear pieces in to listen to the commentary. The Duomo was unbelievable! The architecture- WOW! We also saw the place where the Medici's used to live. 

We saw the famous bridge in Florence which hangs over the river. It used to be a row of butchers, so they could throw all the leftovers into the river, but when the Medici's came to power, they didn't like the stench. So they had them turned into goldsmith's shops. There are still goldsmith's and jewelry shops there today. Florence is known for (besides the art and Michelangelo) gold and leather. We visited a leather working shop for a demonstration. Again, out of our price range, but really beautiful pieces for sure. 

We ate lunch and then it was time to hit the Uffizzi. WOW. It would take you a lifetime to really know and appreciate all of the art that is housed there. It starts off with ancient, and works its way chronologically to more modern artists. We saw Rembrandt, Botticelli, Michelangelo, DaVinci, and about a thousand others. It was incredible and exhausting. 

Then came the highlight of the entire trip. Michelangelo's "David" and other sculptures are housed in their own museum, specially made for just that purpose.  When you walk into the building, it's not far before you turn the corner and then boom, there it is. This famous statue you've seen pictures of your whole life, and you've heard how amazing it is, and then there it is in front of you. It really is spectacular. We were told that sculptors say if you could only study one sculpture your entire life, this one should be it. It's flawless! Being able to see it up close, and see the emotion in David's eyes was moving. Of course the best part was seeing my mom see the David. Most of us were moved to tears. It was incredible. 

I  also loved seeing his unfinished sculptures, who are nicknamed "the prisoners" because they were never freed from their stone prison.  Mom touched one quickly before a guard told her not to, so she's officially touched Michelangelo's work. :) 

A quick gelato stop to end the night, and then back to the hotel. Pistachio and Hazelnut seemed to be big flavors in Italy. We were exhausted! So. Much. Walking. I couldn't believe how well Mom did. She was such a trooper.