Last night was our last in Venice, and we made the most of it. We dined at a ristorante near our hotel on the patio outside in a small square. The seating was all very close together and we soon realized we were sitting next to fellow Americans.
Denise and Sage, a mother and daughter from Florida, were on a whirlwind European vacation as they were half way through their 33 day trip that included, France, Switzerland, Italy, and eventually Spain. Savannah was excited to learn the daughter's name, Sage, as it is her close friend Summer's daughter's name as well. The trip was to commemorate Sage's college graduation. We had a nice conversation and they were the first Americans we met here.
Savannah and I really enjoyed our meals as well. Savannah had a terrific Chicken and Mushroom dish in a tomato cream sauce and Matty had the meat lasagna. We capped it off with Tiramasù for desert.
After dinner (which was about 11:00pm - dinners take a long time here) we headed for St. Mark's Square. Folks, the Square is ten times as amazing at night as it is during the day. Many reasons why this is so: no pigeons (we wondered where they all went to sleep), no annoying tour groups, no noise, the square is all lit up majestically, and of course, no pigeons. Yes, it's worth saying it twice because they certainly suck during the day.
We had after dinner drinks at a café on the square called Quadri, which has only been serving meals and drinks since 1632. Older than our country ladies and gentlemen. An orchestra serenaded us during a perfectly delightful evening (see photo). It all ended with the bell tower chiming midnight letting us know that our evening was about to conclude and we needed to say arrividerci a Venezia.
This morning we woke up at 6:30am to catch an early bus boat to the train station where we would board a train bound for Firenze. Which made me wonder: why do the Italians call it Firenze and we call it Florence? We imagined how that initial conversation must have gone:
"Welcome to our city!"
"Thanks. It is quite beautiful, what do you call it?"
"It is called Firenze."
"Hmmm....no, I think we'll call it Florence."
"But Signori, it is Firenze."
"Actually, we already like the name Florence, but thanks for the suggestion."
I mean, it is their city, why do we call it something different??? But I digress...
Our train ride was beautiful as we rode through some gorgeous mountains and some quaint towns along the way. Upon arrival in Florence, a taxi whisked us to our hotel, Hotel Pendini. We had to take the world's smallest elevator (a sign reads "maximum occupancy 3 people") to get to the 5th floor registration desk. We could also take the stairs, but seriously, it's 5 floors.
Or room is nice, overlooking a small interior courtyard, which is good since we don't have to endure the sounds of the Piazza Della Republica outside. Our shower actually has a door this time as well...well, a half door anyway but baby steps, baby steps.
We rested quickly before heading out to our first stop, The
Accademia Museum and it's crowning glory, Michelangelo's David. As we turned the corner and saw the masterpiece we were in awe. It is much bigger (17 feet tall) and more inspiring than we could have ever thought. It is so well done that it seems at any moment David will just step off his pedestal and walk out of the room. Savannah said she could have stood there all day looking at him. As it was, we lingered for about 20 minutes encircling the statue. Unfortunately they do not allow photos so you will just half to see him for yourself one day.
After that, we went to the Uffizi Museum which houses the best collection of Italian renaissance work in the world. As it turns out, Savannah and I found out that we are not huge fans of the period, but it was an interesting hour and a half nonetheless and now we can say we have been there.
We were able to spare a few moments to stop for some gelato, and unfortunately, it was not as good as in Venice, even though Florence is said to have the best gelato in Italy. We think we were just unlucky in the place we chose so we will try and try again!
We then relaxed in the hotel for a while and now we are headed to dinner. Buonasera!
Denise and Sage, a mother and daughter from Florida, were on a whirlwind European vacation as they were half way through their 33 day trip that included, France, Switzerland, Italy, and eventually Spain. Savannah was excited to learn the daughter's name, Sage, as it is her close friend Summer's daughter's name as well. The trip was to commemorate Sage's college graduation. We had a nice conversation and they were the first Americans we met here.
Savannah and I really enjoyed our meals as well. Savannah had a terrific Chicken and Mushroom dish in a tomato cream sauce and Matty had the meat lasagna. We capped it off with Tiramasù for desert.
After dinner (which was about 11:00pm - dinners take a long time here) we headed for St. Mark's Square. Folks, the Square is ten times as amazing at night as it is during the day. Many reasons why this is so: no pigeons (we wondered where they all went to sleep), no annoying tour groups, no noise, the square is all lit up majestically, and of course, no pigeons. Yes, it's worth saying it twice because they certainly suck during the day.
We had after dinner drinks at a café on the square called Quadri, which has only been serving meals and drinks since 1632. Older than our country ladies and gentlemen. An orchestra serenaded us during a perfectly delightful evening (see photo). It all ended with the bell tower chiming midnight letting us know that our evening was about to conclude and we needed to say arrividerci a Venezia.This morning we woke up at 6:30am to catch an early bus boat to the train station where we would board a train bound for Firenze. Which made me wonder: why do the Italians call it Firenze and we call it Florence? We imagined how that initial conversation must have gone:
"Welcome to our city!"
"Thanks. It is quite beautiful, what do you call it?"
"It is called Firenze."
"Hmmm....no, I think we'll call it Florence."
"But Signori, it is Firenze."
"Actually, we already like the name Florence, but thanks for the suggestion."
I mean, it is their city, why do we call it something different??? But I digress...
Our train ride was beautiful as we rode through some gorgeous mountains and some quaint towns along the way. Upon arrival in Florence, a taxi whisked us to our hotel, Hotel Pendini. We had to take the world's smallest elevator (a sign reads "maximum occupancy 3 people") to get to the 5th floor registration desk. We could also take the stairs, but seriously, it's 5 floors.
Or room is nice, overlooking a small interior courtyard, which is good since we don't have to endure the sounds of the Piazza Della Republica outside. Our shower actually has a door this time as well...well, a half door anyway but baby steps, baby steps.
We rested quickly before heading out to our first stop, The
Accademia Museum and it's crowning glory, Michelangelo's David. As we turned the corner and saw the masterpiece we were in awe. It is much bigger (17 feet tall) and more inspiring than we could have ever thought. It is so well done that it seems at any moment David will just step off his pedestal and walk out of the room. Savannah said she could have stood there all day looking at him. As it was, we lingered for about 20 minutes encircling the statue. Unfortunately they do not allow photos so you will just half to see him for yourself one day.After that, we went to the Uffizi Museum which houses the best collection of Italian renaissance work in the world. As it turns out, Savannah and I found out that we are not huge fans of the period, but it was an interesting hour and a half nonetheless and now we can say we have been there.
We were able to spare a few moments to stop for some gelato, and unfortunately, it was not as good as in Venice, even though Florence is said to have the best gelato in Italy. We think we were just unlucky in the place we chose so we will try and try again!We then relaxed in the hotel for a while and now we are headed to dinner. Buonasera!
3 comments:
Ah, Florence. There are so many amazing things to see. I'm sure you will enjoy them all, the statues, art work, and the rich history of every cobblestone, church, and building. These are memories that will enrich your every day lives when you come home. Make each one special, no matter how small. What a perfect date, place, etc., for our motto Savannah - carpe diem! Much love to you!
I love that you made up a conversation between westerners and the italians with the naming of their cities. It is isn't just florence - it is pretty much every city in Italy that we have changed. In fact, it wasn't just city names, it is people's names too. Lecce?!?!
I am sure you guys have researched everywhere that you want to go...but Vin and I have this book (1000 places to see before you die - just like the show you watch) and one place that they highly recommend is to see a sunset at Piazzale Michelangiolo. "The post-card worthy view's from Florence's hilltop square inspired more than one Renaissance master. Popular with the tour bus set during the day and with local youths and bikers at night, it's the perfect Lover's Lane. Centered around one of the two copies of the Michelangelo's David. Or make the trip up for the summertime watermelon stands the the always croweded Gelateria Michelangiolo. WHERE: Viale Michelangiolo."
I mean seriously - this screams out your names...Lover's Lane, great gelato and a replica of David. =-)
SJ
Wow....I can't believe all of the amazing places and things that you have experienced in your short time there. Thanks for the great update. Love to you both!
Jen, Mike and Alden
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