Day 17 * Firenze in the Rain * 5/6/08

The day started brightly with first light and the sounds of swallows flying around the complex of buildings. Breakfast was a leisurely affair til Grant said time to go then we were off, or were we?
All piled into the hired Renault and it wouldn’t start. Battery? No, because it was clearly turning the engine over. Fuel was more than fine. The security system hadn’t been engaged but was checked again. In the end with a few of the neighbours looking on we pushed it back, then gave a run down the road - not a lot of room before it went steep. Grant let out the clutch but nothing seemed to happen but he tried the ignition again and it started just like new. Off to pick up the Audi so he could get to his Italian lessons, then Katy delivered us to the station. We had a wee wait, but it gave us time to check our tickets for tomorrow as well as the trip into Firenze, then a walk around the town a bit, a drink and it was time for the train. We were able to check out tomorrow’s train for seating arrangements which arrived before our one did. Then off we went. We prepared for the tunnels and instead got sunlit scenery as it took an alternative route in, stopping at all the little towns in between Figline and Firenze.
Katy had given us their PlusFirenze map which outlined important features, and she also gave us clues about queues (avoid them unless there is something you really want to see), churches (shorts not acceptable so you need trousers), beggars (it’s an old profession) and the overlap with the pickpockets (wear your backpack on your front and be aware of who is in your surroundings!). We decided on a walking route which would take us past churches, but not in them so I wore shorts for the day.
Florentines know how to build big. The churches, palaces and public buildings are amazing, especially those that have been maintained. What was also present that was unexpected, though Katy and Grant had mentioned it, were the tourists – they were everywhere (of course we are not really tourists either!!?) We wandered down lanes and vias, and in one street we were suddenly aware of all the brands Beneton, Versace, Prada, and others. Their products in the windows were all without price tags and we guessed that if you had to ask for the prices you needn’t bother going in.
The cars, buses, taxis and scooters all seemed to claim the whole road and dared you to cross in front of them. I’m reminded of Paul Hogan doing his thing with the dogs in New York in crocodile Dundee. All you needed to do was to catch their eye and stare these drivers down.
We wandered over the river and towards the Palazza Pitti and Boboli Gardens, and on the way found ourselves a neat little eating house with good food. Denise had bought an umbrella near the station, and as we finished the meal it started to spit. By the time we were at the Piazza of the Palace it was a bit more steady so I bought one of a Somali man who had materialised with a number of others with piles of umbrellas for sale. We went to get a ticket to see the gardens but couldn’t do them as a separate tour from one of the Palace’s sets of galleries, so decided to give it a miss. We ere enjoying the jumble of people, cars, smells, noise, history and modern kitschy stuff, as well as the wealth and opulence that comes from really old money.
This was most evident at the Ponte Vecchio where the goldsmiths and jewellers have their shops on the bridge over the river. I haven’t seen so much wealth on display in such a small area ever.
Turned right down the Medici Walk and then towards the city square. Got waylaid by a “statue,” a mime artist who would move and pose with you while your partner took a photo. Carried on past the queue formed for the Uffizi Galleries and into the square with statues galore. The copy of David, and many others all got included i a free range camera. Took another alley like street until we came to the main cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The paintwork and sculpture and exterior were simply magnificent and I fear the photos haven’t done it justice. (We’ve bought postcards just in case!)
Then back to the station for coffee, one of the quickest I’ve ever had anywhere, a toilet stop in some of the grottiest I’ve ever been in, and then onto the train back to Figline.
The train did the tunnels this time and two windows on the carriage were down so our ears got a real pounding.
Got to Figline in another downpour and walked to the town square to meet up with Katy. While waiting I saw a sports shop and we went in. I found a nice pair of Adidas shoes which will do nicely for fencing for only €63. The assistant was most helpful and understood fencing as “skirma”, and helped me try on a few pair of different sorts.
We got back and played a bit with Sofia, then had “aperitivo” followed by our evening meal - a kind of bread, tomato, olive oil, garlic and basil slow baked dish, washed down with a good red or two.
Got the blog up to date on line and checked on emails. Sad to read Boyd Glassey had died. He had quite an influence on me over the years in different ways – some through Dad, some through counselling.
Then to bed to get ready for the adventure of going to Roma and homa!!