Exploring Churches and Tempted by Chocolate

 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Firenze Tour with Marco

It was another early morning to catch the train. This time the only train available to get us to Florence on time was a Regionale. This meant it took approximately 30 minutes longer. The longer ride really isn’t too bad, especially when you are good at falling asleep just about anywhere. I tried to use my internet stick on the train; however, each tunnel we traveled through would kick me off.  Giving up on the internet angle, I slept for at least an hour if not longer.

Upon arrival to Florence, we took a coffee and snack break. I had a cappuccino and a large apple (From the Orvieto Farmers Market), while others ventured over to the McDonald’s to get a taste of home. Professor Chelz led us to Piazza della Republica to meet up with Marco. On our way to the Piazza dell Republica, we walked through Piazza Santa Maria Novella. We happened upon a happy surprise- Lots and Lots of Chocolate Vendors. Sadly we couldn’t stay and explore chocolate all day because we we’re due to meet up with Marco.

According to Marco Florence is considered “Modern” with historical roots. One area of the city there is remnants of the Roman Empire(you can see this in the gridded streets surrounding Piazza della Republica). It is interesting how the city plan has been preserved in Orvieto vs Florence where many buildings in the historical district were taken down  or remodel in order to fit the restructuring the city plan.

For example many of the buildings around Piazza della Republica were torn down and rebuilt in the 1900’s with the intention of preparing to be the capitol of Italy.

We visited Palazzo Vecchio, It is another example of a building that has been remodeled. While the outside remains how the architect designed it the inside has been remodeled over the years approximately pre-renaissance.

Our tour ended in the Duomo. When I go back with Liz over Spring Break, perhaps we will climb the dome.

Free Time in Florence

Shortly after 1pm we left to roam another city. We found a decent meal for 10 euro (included an antipasto, our choice of pasta and a sauce, and a glass of wine).  It was pretty decent.

We circled the Duomo approximately 3-4 times…

We searched for an ATM, then wandered up to San Lorenzo. After paying the 3.50 admission ticket, we watched as a group of men moved a piece of art into the church and prepare to hang it in the empty spot on the wall.  

Next exploration began from the steps of San Lorenzo to the expansive number of vendors lined up along several roads surrounding the Large indoor Fruit and Vegetable Market. The Vendors Perked up as people walked by…if we even glanced at something in their cart, we were called after as people tried to reel us in for a sale. They would say something along the lines of “ Ooo, I’ve just the ___ (jacket, purse,etc.)for you. I make you a good deal.” 

After finding our way back to the Duomo, we precede back to the art store our professor suggested we check out. It was packed wall to wall floor almost to ceiling with painting supplies(paper, paints, brushes, and more). I found it surprising how many people were able to fit in the shop.

Last stop before the train was back to a piazza, where  we spotted chocolate upon chocolaty goodness.

Who’s up for Chocolate?

Tents of Chocolate in Piazza Santa Maria Novella

Yes, believe it or not each one of these yellow tents housed vendors with their own special chocolate. Some had truffles, others chocolates in the molds of wrenches and gears, Chocolate covered strawberries, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Fountains in which waffles on a stick were doused in the chocolate of your choice, the list goes on and on.  I ended up getting an assortment of chocolate truffles and a cup of hot chocolate.

The decision was a very tough one. The four of us girls, circled the piazza approximately 3 times before coming to a decision. On the 2nd circle we ran into our professors. One commented on our inability to make a decision “You don’t happen to be a Libra do you?”. Turns out three of the four of us were.

With our treats we returned to the train station and waited for the departures board to direct us to the correct platform.