Day 5 -Florence and the beautiful Tuscan countryside

Today marks the halfway point of our trip.   Tear.  We set our alarm for 7:30 to try and hit the road at a decent time.  Britt awoke to an alarm and couldn’t believe it was already time to get up.  She grabbed her phone and realized it wasn’t coming from her cell phone, rather, an alarm clock already in the room.  Thankfully, it was only 4:30.  Hitting some buttons to shut the alarm clock off, she quickly fell back asleep.  Shortly there after, another ding ding ding and the alarm clock went off again. Finally, she had had enough, and found her way to the off button.  Soon enough, it really did turn into 7:30, but, we figured, it’s vacation, why not sleep another hour.  After a quick breakfast with the host, we jetted out of town and onto the autostrade.  Britt closely monitored Ted’s speed to ensure maximum fuel efficiency and a short one hour trip later, we found our way to Le Fonte del Machiavelli in the Tuscany countryside.  Britt could not quit beaming as she knew she picked a beautiful location with rolling hills and vineyards as their backdrop. 

Unloading our bags, we quickly found our way to a small town and dropped our car off in free parking and hopped on the #37 bus into Florence.  We disembarked and began making our way to a local sandwich shop which was rated #1 on TripAdvisor as well as mentioned in our Italy book.  Weaving our way through the streets, Britt finally noticed a long line by a shop and knew we had found the location.  Ted went with a recommended sandwich in the book, prochetta.  Britt opted to have the sandwich guru behind the counter surprise her.  It appeared he tossed a few different spreads on the focaccia bread, along with eggplant, and salami.  We can honestly say that this placed lived up to its’ expectations!  By far, the best food we have had all week, and it was only a simple sandwich shop.  With food in our bellies, we were ready to stroll the city and check out a few sites.

Best Sandwiches Ever!

First stop, Piazza della Signoria  This area was an open square with statues surrounding the grounds.  Amazing artwork and to think what tools existed for them to sculpt in such beautiful ways.  When we had taken enough photographs of the strong men (we aren’t quite sure what the artists infatuation with naked men was, but Ted has seen enough uncircumcised wieners for the rest of his life), Ted insisting on stopping for some gelato.  Britt went with cherry and Ted opted for a mixed berry.  Both were tasty to the palate.

 Onward we went to the Duomuo or also know as Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore.  Each major city within Italy seems to have a Duomo.  This is the Italian equivalent to Cathedrals around Europe.  They are called Duomo’s due to the large dome at the center of the church.  Each duomo is shaped like a cross very similar to the Cathedrals around Europe.  The Florence duomo is the largest brick dome every constructed and this still holds true today.  This is amazing as the structure was built from 1296-1436.  Can you imagine the wooden structures, pulley systems, and other mechanisms they had to create to build this structure?  Absolutely amazing.

Front of Duomo

Exterior of the Duomo

The inside of the Duomo - Painting of The Last Judgement

Walking through the Duomo was free and we admired the amazing architecture encompassing the grounds.  We both took photographs and some videography to capture the moment before walking outside to finding our entrance to climb to the top.  8 Euro each and 463 steps later, we made it.  Walking in circles straight to the top for 200+ stairs can be mentally exhausting, and can rather, make your head spin.  But, it was well worth it for the view of the city.  We would highly recommend this to anyone who isn’t afraid of tight quarters and heights.   Even if you are slighty afraid of either, suck it up and goJ

At the top of the Duomo and the amazing Florence view behind us

View going back down the Duomo - This baby had some curvature

Upon returning to the base, it was on to an open market area to see if anything stood out to us.  Negative.  While we did not make any purchases here, Ted wanted to stop back at another location where local artists were selling their own paintings.  We purchased two small items, which will sit perfectly in our European themed bathroom.

Hand Painting - Only 15 Euro!

Hand painting - Only 7 Euro!

Overcome with exhaustion, we felt Florence and the Mikels’ needed to part ways.  Back on the local bus we went, only to be told at the last stop, we had taken the wrong bus.   Oops.  All Britt’s fault.  Back into town we went, and onto the correct bus.  Stopping at the Supermarketo across from where we parked, typical Italian snacks were purchased to pass time this evening as we write our blog.

Tomorrow’s plan: Travel the back roads of Tuscany and visit several Castles .

We leave you with a picture of our new friend - Leonardo da Preying Mantice