May 11th - Firenze

The day was rainy but we had train tickets and no Plan B - off to Chiusi early to catch the 8 am train to Florence (Firenze).

Weather cleared as we went north. Almost a fine day in Florence, and it improved as the day went on. Train arrived as advertised and we found our way into Firenze without incident. Lots to see. You either tour the outside of Florence or the inside. the inside has the wonderful collection of Renaissance art. And the long waits and significant crowds. We went for the outside following a walking tour map.


Started out fine, saw the amazing church near the railway station, then got lost.

The fountain is in a square associated with a military barracks of some kind, and then we found the Jewish quarter an the wonderful synagog.

The "outside" had its own problems: scaffolding and "improvements" everywhere and lots of people. Even at this point - mid-May - the tourist traffic is getting pretty fierce. Just imagine mid-summer with the hordes and the heat.

The duomo is everywhere. You see bits of it down narrow streets at all angles (once you are no longer lost and are actually within a few blocks of this amazing monument). Notice the 4 Muslim girls on the steps.

Lots to see around the statue gardens as well as the many people.

I love the expression on this guy. He is part of a larger fountain.

And, of course, there is David. This is the replica outside the museum. Penny's regret is we did not go into the museum to see the original.

On the streets with the expensive shops there is a market of leather vendors. And in the market is the famous bronze boar. Rub the boar's snout and you will return to Firenze. So we did, and we probably will.

We walked all over, saw the Ponte Vechia with the upper walkway for the Medicci family only (so they could get from one palace to another without encountering the rabble).







And so, back to Chiusi and San Albino by train. We found the proper platform, we did not snooze through the stop, and the doors eventually were opened at Chiusi. What would the day be without a little adventure?