Florence

Florentines have a sense of humor and playfulness that I miss.  The reception at the hotel, when I said I had two questions quipped, "the first one is free".  How could I not see that was missing, perhaps I'm taking Austria too seriously. 
Oh my aching feet!  I walked all day.  I had a 10am reservation for the Uffizi, which puts you on art overload almost immediately.  Like the Hapsburgs, the Medicis had way too much money.  They did a lot to preserve art, he sculptures, so many.  I saw the "Birth of Venus", liked the one next to it "Primavera" perhaps more. 

More impressive for me today was San Croce.  I finally get frescos.  The life in them after hundreds of years is amazing.  Loved Michaelangelo's tomb too.

 Saw the Jewish temple, highly fortified but a beautiful building.  Had to sit for a while so I had a manicure, got Chianti colored nails.


Next day, saw "David." My jaw dropped, it had me breathless even after countless times seeing the image. Standing in front and walking around it is worth it.

From Florence Sept 2010