Spent a magical day in Florence. Started the day with a visit to the Cathedral of Florence known as the Duomo. It’s was designed by Arnolofo di Cambio who also carved some of the statues there at the end of the 13th century. The facade wasn’t complete until the late 19th century, so the project was only about 600 years or so behind schedule. The church wasn’t even consecrated until 1436, 140 years after work on it started. Beneath it we visited the archeological dig that uncovered the remains of an earlier church, dedicated to Santa Reperata built around 400 AD and torn down in 1375. Needless to say the Duomo has been witness to and site of a lot of history. Notably the temporary reconciliation of the Catholic and Orthodox churches under the Council of Florence in 1439.
From there we were off to the Galleria dell’Accademia where Michelangelo’s David is housed. You aren’t allowed to take pictures in the museum so here’s my picture of the post card I bought and also of the replica of David from the Palazzo della Signoria down the street.
David was commissioned in 1501 when Michelangelo was 26. It was chiselled from a leftover block of marble which had previously been worked on by various other artists. It’s very impressive though the scale seems off when you see it at eye level. The head and upper body are too small. Apparently this was Mike’s intention as he thought the statue would be mounted on a pedastal and therefore the upper body should appear farther away. Regardless it’s impressive in it’s detail, the finger nails, the veins on the neck, etc.
From the Academy it was off to the Ponte Vecchio, literally ‘ye olde bridge’ across the Arno. Before getting to the bridge I knew that it was the only one that the German’s hadn’t destroyed during their retreat in WW II, that it had been built in 1345 to replace an older Roman bridge destroyed in a flood and that it used to be home to butchers and tanners before the Medici kicked them out in favour of goldsmiths who were less odiferous and paid higher rent. What I didn’t know was that the focus of the bridge is now locks. Literally hundreds of locks put there by lovers who then toss the keys into the Arno to seal their love. Well, when in Rome, er Florence, do as the Romans, er Florentines.
Please keep your ‘aww, shucks’ comments to yourselves.
The views from the bridge are great despite the tacky tourist shops and the guy trying to sell me one of his 30 genuine Louis Vuitton bags.
We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering from patio to patio until we came across a little art market. We loved the work of this fellow Vitaliano Iannettone and bought a great piece showing the Tuscan country side. More importantly he gave Ali a lesson.
All in all a great day…
Cheers,
Mark & Ali
P.S. We also visited a small museum dedicated to the machines of Leonardo Da Vinci. George loved it!
P.P.S. Those of you in Toronto should go see our friend Joann in Problem Child & Criminal Genius at the Alumnae Theatre. More info here. I promise she’ll be great.
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Hi guys. I can’t help myself, but ‘aww shucks’! Beautiful pictures and great commentary. I am enjoying this leg of the trip very much. Has anyone else noticed that Ali doesn’t wear the same clothes very often – how much luggage did you take anyway? Take care and have fun. Love, Sara
Hi kids!
I’ve been wondering also how you keep looking as fresh as the proverbial daisies or maybe you two DID purchase the 30 Vuitton suitcases to transport your Armanis, Dolce Cabana and Versacci outfits. I’m looking forward to seeing all the trendy outfits. And Ali, you would certainly fit in those Size 2 things.
Of course Mark is no slouch in the wardrobe department either, seeing that he likes to buy his outfits at Harry Rosen and alike. I’m sure Dad will be pleased to wear your hand-me-downs eventually.
Great reporting again guys and looking forward to seeing your Tuscan landscape.
Love, Mom
We love the history and great views of Florence, you guys take great pics, you’ll soon be ready for National Geographic ! Dad & Mom
Hi guys
It is Apr. 24th, I’m in Barrie looking after a dog & cat….not much has changed!!!! Finally I had some time, after working almost 3 months straight, to devote to your awesome collection of pictures & stories! I’ve been buried in work & unable to do much of anything but that…work! So enough of me trying to explain why I have been a bad “monkey-mom” by not taking the time to write!
Wow…….I just spent the last 2 hours reading each one of your detailed stories & looking at the great collection of pictures! How lucky are the two of you to be spending this time together on such an amazing trip!!!!!!! Happy belated Birthday Mark….I hope George bought you something nice….at the very least a beer or two!!!
Speaking of George….he is having quite the adventure! Banana stores….tangles with lions (good thing he was able to reach his shrink after that….he’s a bugger without that contact!)…being arrested 2 times already….very lucky monkey to have such patient hosts!….I should have told you about Georges’ fear of the stone gargoyls…is that how it is spelt??….I just explain to George the gargoyls are playing frozen tag & he seems to be ok after that!
Mark, it was VERY wise of you to not give George any chocolate at Easter…you don’t want to see George on a chocolate high…ugly! It was also very wise of you to share the chocolate with Ali!!!!!!!
I so liked the picture of George in the mini village…certainly must have made George feel all puffy & Kong like!!!…and did get his wish …sort of….to go to the Red light district…in a small way…sorry for the pun, could not help myself.
Also glad to see you are keeping up with the tradition of George drinking beer…great picture in Leigen!!! I know George had a great time at the “Sensi seed bank”, you may want to check your bags before coming back…he is very very sneaky!!!
I think you should really encourage the free loading monkey to work more often…the business in Venice just might have worked given more time!….I’m sure he owes the two of you much $$$$$$ for all those beers you have been treating him to.
Loved to see George getting friendly with some art as well….Mona…DaVinci…..maybe he’ll come back a bit more cultured.
I know I have centered my comments on George….being a monkey mom & all….but it is not to take anything away from the georgeous pictures of all the sites! Amazing selection of history, flowers, boats, churches, buildings and people. Some really cute ones of you Ali…love the one by the water fountain!!!…and the one of Mark & the shiny shampoo look…tee hee.
Certainly can tell the two of you are having a ball….so glad to see!~
Tor says hello, he appreciated the Grand Prix picture, among others….in fact he has been keeping an eye on your trip quite often.
Give George a pat on his cheeky little head, and yourselves a hug for me.
I look forward to the next installment.
Cheers….a Kilkenny in my hand as I type….clink
xoxoxox Nancy
PS….I watched both seasons of Six Ft under in 10 days!!!! can you say addicted!!!!!!!!!!!! love it!!!!!!!!!!!!
PPS…..I’ve decided to keep the ripped pants….just in case that part of the 80’s comes back as well…..
Re Sara’s comment – funny, I was just thinking while looking at these Florence pics that Ali has something different on every time. LOL. You look great
And thanks for the little plug guys, that was very sweet… I was a little embarassed to include my link in my message but really wanted you to see it and now you’ve made me more embarassed. Anyway! I know you said to keep our comments to ourselves, but I LOVE the lock thing – how romantic 
You guys are awesome.
Jo
xoxo
hi guys! What an amaizing adventure you are having, I have pictures of you smilling on my bulletin board, they always makes me smile. Ali you look so beautiful, peaceful and happy. I think of you guys everyday, and miss you alot. The spring whether is making the store very busy, it keeps me on my toes. Ali, your Mom’s comment about the seeds you sent her last mothers day acually brought a tear to my eye. Mark, your entries are quite impressive, I feel like I’m travelling along with you. Happy belated birthday. love you both lisa.