Firenze and Michaelangelo

Trip Start Apr 05, 2006

Trip End Apr 27, 2006

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Flag of Italy Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Thursday, May 18, 2006

Hazy and warm day. We started the day catching a boat up the lake from Torbole to the pretty little village of Malcesine where we had a little free time before heading to Florence. The lake and mountains were still foggy but it was an enjoyable trip. Along the way, we saw the remains of the old lemon groves, which were once grown in covered sheds with column uprights. Malcesine was sleepy, sunny and as colourful as a postcard. We enjoyed wandering around the cobbled streets, breathing in the atmosphere of village life.

Back on the coach and off to Florence. On arrival, we were guided through the small museum; "Galleria dell' Accademia", which houses the Statue of David. Very impressive workmanship, but Austin thought his hab=nds were disproportionally large (not that told the Italians so). Also on display were Michaelangelo's unfinished statues which showed how he gradually 'released' the carved figures from the blocks of marble. We then walked with Anna-Marie (our guide) through the Piazza San Giovanni in front of the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Plazza della Signoria with various famous statues and Piazza Santa Croce in front of the Basilica di Santa Croce. The streets of old Florence are narrow and many of the houses are old and rather shabby on the outside. We were a little surprised that the Squares weren't brightened up a bit with some fresh paint and flowers. After dinner we had a short walk along the River Arno but turned back after discovering human excrement under the shrubs along the path. Not at all pleasant.