Hustle and Flo(rence) / Go with the Flo(rence)

So we left Rome today for Florence.  We took the train (offered some nice viewing of the Tuscan countryside) and arrived mid morning.  After checking into hotel Gioia (2 rooms this time), oddly adjacent to a serial killer museum, we began our exploration of Florence. 

Hotel:

Joanna and I loved this city – it had a great feeling about it.  Very crowded, but not as obnoxious as Rome.  People were exploring, not elbowing.  The city has life.  We began with lunch (of course) in Piazza del Republica.  We then walked over to the Ponte Vechio.  Very cool bridge selling gorgeous jewlrey.  After we explored some more, we made our way to Santa Croce.   We explored the piazza and the church.  Cool fact – Michaelangelo and Galileo are burried there.  After exploring outside a little more, we made our way to the outdoor market.  Joanna and I each purchased little scarves to wear - You could find everything from leather bags/jackets/belts/shoes to sunglasses.  We headed back to the hotel to shower up and made our way to dinner.  We stopped first for a drink at what looked to be a really cute patio area – it ended up  being the Roberto Cavalli wine bar/shop. 

We each had an absolutely delicious drink, and they surprised us with some munchies.  We had olive tapenade and some other dip with curry on one spread, the other had tomato and mozzarella and some other finger sandwhiches.  Off to dinner – we found a  wine bar in Froders and decided to give it a shot – Cantinetta Antinori Wine Bar.  We each sampled a glass and then ordered the best of the bunch.  Ended up being Matt’s – Badia Passignano Chianti Classico (2006).  We split the cheese and meat plates and then had a fabulous dinner.

The next day we went to the Uffizi gallery.  We also took a photo op with the David replica outside.  I was coming down with quite the cold so I had to take every opportunity to rest on the benches provided.  Why is it that when on vacation, people get sick?  Grr.  Anyway, the gallery was beautiful.  We really enjoyed all it had to offer.  Of particular interest, the Birth of Venus.  I also enjoyed a painting of a young girl in a blue dress.  I know, nothing special, but I found it very interesting. 

After the gallery, we made our way to a piazza up on a hill overlooking Florence.  Yes, it had many steps.  Yes, we (well I was, damn cold) very winded.  When we got to the top though, we realized the whole thing was worth it!  See some pics:

We headed back to the hotel for a much needed nap/cold medicine, and then headed out to dinner.  Paoli was the restaurant and I thought the food was delicious (eventhough I had vegetable soup).

More to come!