Firenze and No Lines

Our first day in Firenze (Florence) started off a little delayed.  I accidentally forgot to set the alarm clock.  I know I set it to the right time, but I must have forgotten to turn the alarm clock on.  Instead of waking up at 7, we rose about twenty minutes late.  It wasn't too bad of a delay.  We had breakfast on the rooftop terrace that overlooked the river and Ponte Vecchio.

Rooftop Terrace at Hotel Hermitage

View of the Ponte Vecchio from terrace

After breakfast we wandered through the city of Florence in the direction of the Duomo.  We headed to the Uffizi Gallery.  There we saw a lot of art and sculptures -- after awhile, all the art and sculptures start looking alike.  We got through the Uffizi in about an hour.  The best part of seeing the Uffizi was there was no line to stand in.  We emailed the hotel prior to our arrival, and they were able to reserve tickets for us.  Therefore, no lines!

Once we finished our viewing of the Uffizi, we headed over to the Duomo.  During our walk in the morning, we walked around and found a museum behind the Duomo.  There we were able to ask about tickets for seeing the terraces and the cupola of the Duomo.  The tickets we purchased there were for a guided tour of the church and access to the Duomo.  Again, no lines!  It was hysterical to see the hundreds of people standing in line around the Duomo, and we were able to start our tour at noon without having to wait around and be finished by a little after one.  We were able to hear some interesting facts about the church and its paintings, get a guided tour of the terraces inside and outside the Duomo, and walk to the very top of the Duomo.  We definitely got our workout today climbing all the stairs to the Duomo.  On our way down I had a little problem with the winding stairs.  My vertigo was on the verge of setting in.

Me on the terrace of the Duomo overlooking the city

I didn't feel too well after our descent, so we grabbed some sandwiches for lunch.  After lunch I headed back to the hotel to get some rest, and the others roamed the city and saw the Accademia.  The Accademia is where one would find the statue of David.  Although no pictures are allowed, Kathleen was able to sneak a few!

Once they were finished seeing the Accademia and I my nap, my mom and I headed to the land of gold... the Ponte Vecchio.  There we walked up and down the bridge window shopping.  I did a little more than window shop.  I purchased a pair of 18 ct. gold earrings.  The last time I was in Florence, I got gold earrings as well.  I guess it is going to be a tradition now.  I wonder what I will get next time.

For dinner, the family and I ate at a little trattoria near the Uffizi.  We were able to sit outside for our dinner, which was delicious.  After dinner Kathleen and Charlie headed out to the bar.  It's kind of funny that they are out in the city of Florence at a bar while I am here writing to all of you.  I am OK with that though.  After several days of traveling and being a tour guide, I am absolutely exhausted!  I am so used to having a break in between my touring of the cities, and now I don't have one.  With the family we are on the run everyday seeing things and going places.  I must admit-- I am hating the fact that I leave a week from today, but I am definitely looking forward to going home and sitting on the beach for a few days to relax. Yes. When I get home next Wednesday, I leave first thing Thursday morning for the beach for a four day weekend.  It just doesn't stop for me!