Now You're Stuck in a Moment

My day-trip to Florence on Saturday was far from planned. I believe that I had the idea to go sometime around 8:30 pm the night before, and I didn't fully decide to go until I was outside my apartment waiting for the H bus to take me to the train station.

I truly had no real plans for Florence. All I knew was that I wanted to see as much of the city as possible, and that I wanted to go and see Michaelangelo's David. Yet, my day turned out to be so much more exciting than just that.

When I got off the train in Florence I was still slightly groggy from my nap that I had taken on the train (in true Elyse fashion I woke up only a few moments before pulling up to the station). And, I had no real idea of where I was in the city. The only map that I had accessible was the hand drawn one from Rick Steves' Italy. As I came to find out throughout the day - Rick is good for many things, but not so much when it comes to figuring out where things are/how to get there.

I had been told that the Duomo wasn't all that far from the train station, so I picked a direction and walked in the hopes of finding it. I had no issues doing exactly that due to the noisy tourists that were congregated outside. The humongous dome was also a dead give away that I had made it. I made a quick decision not to go inside because the line wrapped all the way around the block, but I did take the time to admire the beautiful outside - which is covered in pink, green, and white Tuscan marble.

While I was standing in the crowd taking pictures (and holding onto my purse for dear life), I realized that I needed coffee - and I probably should have had it about 10 minutes ago. My sleepiness was starting to catch up with me, and I wasn't going to let that spoil my wonderful day in Florence. On my search for a place to get coffee that wasn't going to charge me 1.50 euro for a cappuccino (it should be around 1 euro) I stumbled upon the San Lorenzo market where I found all of these little vendors selling pashminas, t-shirts, jewelery, and leather abound. I have been wanting another pashmina for myself (and they are entirely too expensive in Rome), so I bought a few - one for myself and the rest for gifts.

After caffeinating my body I set out to find the Accademia so that I could stand and admire Michelangelo's greatest and most famous sculpture. Somehow, I managed to get myself incredibly lost. I had to stop and ask for directions numerous times. The last time I stopped and asked for directions I asked 2 girls who were also toting Rick Steves' Italy guide. They had no idea where they were going either - but we wound up finding it together - and in the process I made two new friends! After finally finding it (I had walked right by it originally!!!) we only stood in line for about 45 minutes - which wasn't too bad at all. Once we finally made it in and walked into the long hallway that David stands at the end of - I was in awe. I wish that I could accurately describe how I felt when I was in his presence, but two days later I still can't find the words.

I believe that I stood gazing up at him for well over a half an hour. I really was stuck in a moment. Michaelangelo carved him from the marble with such perfection. His muscles are so well chiseled, and each vein is viable. His eyes are mesmerizing - you just can't take your own gaze away from his. I am so thankful that I was able to see this famous piece of art. It was a dream come true in so many ways.

From there, Shelli, Danielle (my two new friends) and I headed back towards the Duomo to get some food and to rest our feet. I had my first panini that was warmed up in the microwave. I think I prefer the press - actually I know I do!

We wound up wandering around the city for a bit to try and find Shelli and Danielle their first taste of gelato since being in Italy. How anyone can be in Italy for almost 5 days and not have had gelato yet is beyond my comprehension. During our wandering we wound up at a few of the famous sights in Florence completely by accident. the first one we came across was Porcellino - a statue of a wild boar. People rub his snout and give coins in order to ensure that they will return to Florence. The next place we stumbled upon was Ponte Vecchio, which is Florence's most famous bridge that has been traditionally lined with gold and silversmiths. I didn't buy any gold when I was there, but I finally found silver charms for my charm bracelet! I got the Florence fleur de lis and the she-wolf that is the symbol of Rome.

Also on the bridge I noticed large bundles of padlocks that all had things written on them in Italian. Later on I was reading in Rick Steves and he explained the significance of them. Apparently the bridge is a romantic spot late at night and guys demonstrate their enduring love by ceremonially taking their girlfriends here, locking a lock, and throwing the key into the River Arno. Go figure...

By this time it was about 5:15 in the afternoon, so the three of us decided that we would at least try to get into the Uffizi gallery. Previously there had been a line that we would have waited in for at least 2 hours. Yet, because it was about an hour and 15 minutes before it was supposed to close, we were able to get right in. Even though the admission was 10 euro and we only had a short period of time in there - it was so worth it. I didn't realize this going into the museum, but this is where Botticelli's Birth of Venus is housed.

Oh. My. Goodness. I was in love. I was in awe. I think that my encounter with this famous work was made even more special because I wasn't expecting to see it. I hope that I am able to go back one day and spend more time admiring this amazing painting.

The gallery was filled with many more notable pieces of art that are world-renowned - including the only surviving Michaelangelo easel painting. This is a must see! But, in order to get the maximum amount of time, be sure to make a reservation. I would have done that if I had decided to go to Florence more than 12 hours prior to leaving.

I had dinner with Shelli and Danielle at this cute place right by the Uffizi. It was a recommendation from Rick and it is called Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori. You an get there by facing the bronze equestrian statue in Piazza della Signoria, going behind its tail into the corner and to your left. My meal consisted of a glass of red wine, a small plate of mixed crostini, and this amazing ravioli with ragu sauce. If you are looking for a good dinner in Florence, I would highly recommend this little hole-in-the-wall.

Overall, it was a great day in Florence. I am so happy that I decided to bite the bullet and just go by myself. It was a day for exploring, good food, amazing art, and new friends. Florence is a place that I want to return to one day to explore the city more throughly. But, for now I am more than content with my memories (and the blisters on my feet from walking so much).