Florence - Rome………Day 9

Florence - Rome………Day 9 - Rome, Italy

October 26th, 2007 · No Comments

Rome, Italy

Up early today for our walking tour of Florence. Unfortunately we only had half a day in Florence so we had to make the most of it. It was rainy outside which was unfortunate but it can’t be lovely weather everywhere and we had had pretty good weather so far.

We started our tour at Leonardo’s leather shop. I wasn’t really interested in this since we only had such a short time in Florence so Me, Laura, Chels, Matt and Mark decided to skip it and went off to find some coffees. After indulging in some hot chocolates and coffees we started exploring the city. First we headed up towards the Academia to see the statue of David. We had a little trouble finding the entrance at first but finally found it and were inside surpringly quickly. We quickly headed for David which was set underneath a large dome at the end of a long hall. It’s really quite a beautiful sculpture but for some reason his hands were huge…not really sure what that says ;). I did hear that apprenty in those times lot of sculptors had trouble getting the proportions of hands right.

We then headed off exploring more of the streets towards the Duomo. Lucky the boys were with us because a weird couple, no doubt on drugs, started following us and watching us quite suspiciously. I think they were trying to pickpcket us when we weren’t paying attention but the boys shouted at them before they could do anything. They didn’t like that and started yelling stuff at us. We high tailed it out of there pretty quickly. It’s the one of the sad things about Italy, you always have to watch your things and be aware. We finally got to Duomo and it was a huge building. Very beautiful inside. I would have liked more time so I could have climbed to the top but I guess I’ll have to save that for next time.We then met our local guide for our walking tour around the historical centre. The local guide was pretty good and knew his stuff. He took us to Sante Croce Cathedral to see the tombs of Michaelangelo & Gallileo, then down to the Uffizi and the Ponte Vechhio (the famous bridge on the river) and finishing near some markets where they had a lucky bull you could rub for good luck. You could see where many thousands of visiors had rubbed him before. 

We slowly made our way back to Leonardo’s leather store where the bus would pick us up. I quickly ran next door o the jewellery store and bought a beautiful Nomination bracelt. You can buy little plates to add to it with places you have been. They are a really nice souvenir of the trip. I think they cost 20 euro for the bracelt then between 10-18 euro for each charm. Many others bought bracelets and puzzle rings too.

Then it was back on the bus for the long drive to Rome. Before driving ou we stopped at the outlook overlooking Florence for our group photo. Because it was so rainy you can’t reall see the background but it’s a nice memento to have of everyone who was on tour.

We arrived in Rome quite late and quickly dropped our stuff so we could head back into the city for our night tour of the city. We were dropped discretely near the Spanish Steps because apprently tour buses are not supposed to drive around the city centre. We walked around the local area checking out the expensive stores along the main streets, the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain. We all through 3 coins in the fountain. One for good luck, one for a wish and one to return to Rome. It’s a bit cheesy but it’s a little bit of fun too. There were lots of yummy gelati stores around so we decided to indulge. I got my favourite, Lemon. I love it. It’s the orginal but the best.

We then made our way towards the Piazza Navona where we would be left to go and find dinner. Me, Megan, Bec and Kate walked around and found a great little restaurant where we ordered some really yummy pizza and pasta.It was a nice little meal to start our adventure in Rome. The bus then came and picked us up from the Piazza and dropped us back at the hotel. Most of us used the early night to catch up for a chat with everyone and do some hand washing. It was going to be a big day tomorrow anyway. I can’t wait. 

COSTS:

41E- Nomination bracelet
1E- postcards
9E- souvenir magnets
2E- Umbrella
2.50E- postcards (Rome)