Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Well, how good is this.
Back in Europe at last, sightseeing, soaking in the culture, exploring and generally having a great time.
After a 10 out of 10 trip with Singapore Airlines, we lobbed in Florence primed to the max after nearly 18 months of planning.
With Chel chomping on the bit to get amongst the sightseeing action, we hit the streets of Florence just hours after arriving and basically haven’t stopped since.
While I struggled with jetlag on days one and two, she had no such problems; why I have no idea, but it meant we saw and did as much as possible despite my body crying out for sleep.
Anyway, with my jetlag finally out of the way after a great sleep last night, today was a great day of discovery.
Despite persistent rain, we toured through the Giardino Palace and the Forte di Belvedere and Palazzo Pitti and then went into central Florence again to finally climb to the top of the Duomo.
The crowds weren’t so bad today (possibly the rain kept them away) despite it being the Italian May Day holiday.
The climb to the top of the Duomo was like all similar climbs to the top of cathedrals and castles in Europe; lots of steps, lots of puffing, but with a great prize at the end – amazing views.
Florence for me (I don’t know if Chel agrees) is a one visit city. Nice to see, but not sure if it would be on a future tour itinerary. I am not really into art galleries and over the top Catholic Christianity and basically that is the theme here.
That said, it is an amazing city with lots to see – just way too many tourists clogging up every sightseeing opportunity.
Tomorrow we leave for Rapallo and a few days sightseeing at Cinque Terre before coming back to Florence to start our cycling tour to Rome.
Hopefully the weather starts to improve, but then again we have said all along that we have to take whatever is thrown at us on the bike tour.
Until next time arrivederci.


Me getting breakfast across the road from our B& B taken from our window

View from where we were staying looking across the river to the main part of Florence
Palazzo Pitti - It was a pitty too because it was a little underkept
Gary in Gardino Boboli near the palace
The crowds in Ponti Vecchio  where all the jewelery is sold!
Views from the top of the Duomo in Florence




Posted by at

3 comments:

  1. reneMay 1, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    Before my swim, I looked at the blog first. Shame about te weather, but I suppose that is Europe for you. Saying this, last Saturday it never stopped raining. By the way, Tom Tate is in as mayor. Look forward to your comments about the cinque terre xxxmumxxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. julieMay 1, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    I am so glad you were able to climb all the 465 steps to the top of the Duomo, it is an amazing experience to climb the old stairs then to have the amazing view of Florence once you are to the top.
    It was great chatting to you last night, and catching up on your news so far.
    Have a great time at the Cinque Terre, I can't remember if you said you were walking between the 5 villages or catching the train, either way you will love it.
    lots of love xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. robbieMay 2, 2012 at 2:55 PM

    Hi Chel and Gaz. Glad to see you are having a great time. It looks beautiful. Just at work this morning - before class - and though I'd have a look at what you're up to. Luckily, Mum told me I had to go to the HOME page to see your stuff. I was just where you showed me before you left (somewhere??), and though that you'd not blogged yet. I'm an expert now though. Be looking forward to the next part of your adventure. XX

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)