Florence - the jewel of Italy.

 

Florence is pretty. Wrapped around the Arno river, it takes advantage of the geography and at the same time provides the necessities for a touristy place where people have to live and work. Its nicely set out for all "users". It also has art everywhere. I LOVE these 2 pieces above found in front of one of the lesser museums in Florence. Check out the "old bridge" below that is covered and full of jewelry shops on both sides. Between Stevie and Brigitte ooooing and awwing we just made it through.

But here's where Florence gets really interesting. The Uffizi museum rocks. There is a fair amount of art (mostly sculpture) in the square. While the real "David" by Michelangelo is housed at the accadia museum a short distance away, the Uffizi square was where it stood for most of it's life. There is a cast replica in the original spot and some other famous works that for me were stunning.

David with a pigeon....beauty and functionality

Above are 2 pictures of the sculpture I have liked best so far. I absolutely love this piece. There is so much movement and passion communicated by this work. It seems to me to be screaming about the injustice. The work is called the rape of the Sabine women by Giambologna.

For more on this work: http://giambologna.comune.fi.it/scheda.php?Id=8&lang=eng

Once inside the museum it is said that there is no place on the planet with more art per square foot. For me there are only 2 pieces that really matter. Both by Botticelli they are The Birth of Venus and Primivera. I couldn't tell you why - I just know I like them and his work in general. There are plenty of other exceptional pieces to see - but these are the standouts in my mind

After the Uffizi we wandered around Florence a bit more wishing we could stay longer. It's the place where our phrase of the day makes the most sense. "Il Dolce far niente" The sweetness of doing nothing.

We then travelled to Nice to drop off the rental car as it has to be left in France or a 2000 Euro penalty would be applied. Not doing that! So we headed to Nice in our little Opel we had affectionately named Wally. And once in Nice - for the first time our luck ran out and the hotel had no record of our reservation. Hmm - Nice at 9:30 in the evening and no room. This was not looking good. We tryed a few hotels and then got lucky. One room left at this smashingly great hotel and though the rate was a bit high - it was an executive room (tons of room) with a rooftop pool and bar. What a great way to end another excellent day in Europe. Pictures are below. Off to Milan tomorrow by train.

The pool on the roof of the hotel - perfect after a hot hot hot day

The view from the roof top bar where we enjoyed a couple cold bevies

Jake and the waiter discuss football and traveling