Florence

Tuesday Florence

A waiting around kind of day. Our train didn't depart till 1:40 so we delayed our departure as late as possible.  Took the local train across the bridge to Mestre, and walked for several hours, buying coffee for morning tea in the process.  Took the train back to Verona and a quick connection to the Florence train.  Arrived at teatime and had a palatial hospital room.  Fridge, flat panel TV, kettle, safe, huge bathroom with bidet.  A friend of Brendan was the only other guest.  Had a walk and Chinese tea.  Bought breakfast.  Free internet and TV again put a smile back on Ashley's face.  Apparently there are only three types of shops in Italy – cafes, women's fashion and women's underwear - they must buy lots.

Wednesday Florence

Up early to catch David when he opened.  Were the only two there as we gazed upon him, and the rest of the exhibits.  Then we walked to the Palazzo Delgi Uffizi and walked around the extensive two floors of the exhibits including Botticelli's Venus.  Had some coffee for morning tea before heading to the golden bridge - the Ponte Vecchio, a look at the outside of the Palazzo Vechio which is very ornate, then wandered up to the Duoma for a look inside, and at the bronze doors of the baptistery.  Wandered through the streets of Florence and up the hill to the lookout tower over the town at Piazza Michael Angelo and sat in the sun and talked to the girls as they went to bed.  Back to the room for a rest, then a wander through the market which was principally leather goods.  Tea at McDonalds and we both went to bed watching movies on our devices.  Italian shopkeepers are really insistent on you taking a receipt for purchasers -- it must be the law.  They won't hand you change, they put it on the counter next your hand.