Looking across Fiume Arno to the Uffizi
Belltower of the Palazzo Vecchio
Tourist stall - Palazzo Vecchio
Looking up at the neo-Gothic facade of the Duomo
Duomo dome
Duomo from another angle
I don't think we were prepared for the hordes of tourists cramming the streets of Florence, and ranting along in English. How dare they! We came to Italy for culture, and got Western tourists instead. Can you blame them? Stunning architecture, beautiful weather, amazing gelato... and oh, the shopping. The leather market in the center of town is unreal. Purses, wallets, coats, belts... all impeccably made and so cheap! There was a pale tan weekend leather bag that was just stunning... but had to leave it there... overweight luggage and all!
Apparently the Statue of David is in Florence? Also, some famous paintings at the Uffizi Museum? Didn't see them. Quite frankly, when you only have a few hours in a city, you don't want to spend them in tourist lines for three hours or more. So we crammed as much sightseeing in as we could... and did get to see the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the spectacular Duomo.
Discovered a gorgeous, modern cafe/restaurant with white walls and black square stools! Golden View Open Bar cafe is open during the day, and the restaurant in the evening, with stunning views across the river back to the Uffizi Museum. (Pic #2) Afternoon latte with a stuffed cannolo was the perfect time out from the hordes of tourists. Grom Gelato also bears mentioning. It's tucked on a side street around the corner from the Duomo. Organic gelato that has crowds lined up down the street with good reason. It. Is. Divine.
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