Thursday, October 28, 2010

A full day in Florence

We had a fabulous local guide today for our time in the Medici Chapels and the Uffizi Gallery. He's an American teacher, an art archivist. Walking through the art in these buildings, he stopped at selected pieces and provided us a historical and artistic perspective. I never took an art class in high school or college - always went for the music and drama instead. I'm tempted to spend a few months in Florence and take every class he teaches! It makes a huge difference to understand what I'm looking at.

Between tours, we explored the public market - a lively place with the most tempting offerings. We decided against flowers, fruits and vegetables, but did pick up dry ingredients for pasta topping and a jar of truffles.
































We enjoyed a rooftop lunch with friends. We laughed and chatted, most likely annoying the perfectly coiffed and dressed Italian women around us. Of the six of us, no one ordered a meat dish. We were ready for salads.

For dinner our group had big bowls of soup, stuffed artichokes(!) and custard tarts. It was the lightest dinner we've eaten in over a week. I asked someone in the group why we haven't seen any fat Italians. They said, "They're at home, eating." A good laugh. But my goodness, the food!

8 comments:

Georgia said...

What fun! I love reading about your trip and can see so much through your words. Thanks for the blog. All things equal tho-the travel just doesn't appeal.

#1Nana said...

I wish I were there! The food is not as exciting in Texas...but, I'll have the granddaughters' treats to raid after Halloween.

Linda Myers said...

I'm ready to spend a day reading and catching up on everyone else's blogs, but there's still too much to see. Maybe Sunday, after we've finished up the must see museums and Art has gone to do the laundry.

Deere Driver said...

Are you going to Venice?
Today's NY Times has the 36 hour visit.
First picture they show has pastry!!
http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/travel/31venice-hours.html?nl=&emc=a216

Linda Myers said...

Nope on Venice. We leave Florence on Monday for Rome.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

I loved Florence, with all its amazing art. Great idea, taking a guided tour of the Uffizi and the Medici chapels.

Jennifer said...

I love these photos of you and Art. They just make me smile. You guys look GREAT!

Odyssey Tours said...

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I would love to enjoy Florence Full Day tour!! Thanx for sharing excellent informations.
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