Ciao Firenze

Florence has been my favourite city so far... I think. I don't know. It is very nice! We spent 3 days exploring the streets, the markets, the cathedrals and the art that fills this city. It had a lovely, welcoming vibe and the food was pretty darn excellent too. 

We tackled the leather markets a few times and quickly found that if you touch something, even if you aren't really that interested in the item, the person at the stall will spend the next 10 mins trying to sell it to you (despite your constant "no thank you"s). Telling you that his bag is much better than the man's next door and that he will sell it to you for a very special price, just for you. It is very exhausting. Also trying to figure out which bags were real leather and which were fake was also a bit tricky. Despite our limited knowledge about the physical properties of fine leather, Jess and I made ourselves seem like we knew what we were doing by inspecting every bag or wallet very carefully: rubbing it between our fingers, examining the label closely and sometimes giving the bag a little sniff every now and again. We totally looked like we knew what we were doing.. However, whether we bought real or fake leather, we know not. 

We also saw the world famous David by Michaelangelo. He was fantastic. He seemed so real! It was incredible being able to actually see a piece of art that I have heard about and seen photos of for years. He was awesome, his facial expression seemed so lifelike as did the way his fingers were positioned. His hands were Jess' favourite part because when you looked at them you were convinced that they were about to move. He had a nice bottom too. 

David wasn't the only naked man we saw in Florence. We also found this photo in the same gallery. 

Hahaha!! I am curious as to what this guy would look like from the front.. Hehe! 

A building with lots of money stuck to it. We weren't sure whether it was real or fake, but all the lower ones seem to have been ripped off. That may have just been the wind though.

We also ventured inside the Cathedral of Florence: Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. It was stunning and so colourful from the outside! Covered in green and red marble and paintings as well! 

The painted alfresco on the inside of the dome of the cathedral was amazing. We got a closer view when we climbed to the top. I think it was a depiction of the judgement day. I'm not to sure i forgot to ask about that one but it was pretty insanely detailed! 

Climbing the walls of the Dome.

I know that Jess is a bit of a badass but this time this rebellious act was not her. Very surprising, I know.

The view from the top of Dome.

After climbing the Dome we climbed this bell tower sitting behind me. Lots of stairs were climbed that day. 

View from the bell tower.

The cathedral was so massive, you could never squeeze it into the one photo unless you were in a helicopter or a few hundred steps back. It's like taking a photo of a big group of people, all of whom refuse to huddle in, so you have no choice but to cut some people out. It was its own fault.

Tempting fate.

The Arno River.

This bridge, the 'Ponte Vecchio' (old bridge), has shops built on it which hang over the side of the bridge. Walking through it is just like walking through another small town.

The view from Piazzale Michaelangelo.

This was our favourite place to come for dinner. It was cheap and delicious and simply the best. 

We loved Florence so much! Will definitely be stopping in again some day!!

Xoxoxoxo

Jess and Jaz