Returning to the Renaissance: FLORENCE

Last weekend, Delaney, Kat, Sarah, Maria, and I took a lovely trip to experience the heart of the Renaissance in Florence. It may have been one of the most intense weekends of my life, but the full florentine experience was worth it. In 2 days we saw the Uffizi Museum (which alone could have taken 2 days), a Florence Leather Factory, the Duomo, a sunset view of the city, a 2 real Tuscan meals, the best Gelateria in Florence, Dante's Tomb, The first soccer field, 4 major churches, Ponte Veccio, Michaelangelo's David, and an outdoor market. Instead of rambling on, I thought I'd let the pictures do the talking! 

A beautiful morning over the Arno River which runs through the center of Florence

Kat and Delaney at the Ponte Veccio Bridge. A Famous bridge known for having little shops along its edge. 

You are not allowed to take pictures in the Uffizi Museum. But I couldn't help it. This is one of my very favorite paintings that I have ever seen; it really struck me. It's called the Adoration of the Child  by Corregio. 

This is a standard Florecian Gelateria. Alongside gelato, Floercians really like a good waffle with nutella. Very yummy.  This Gelateria just happens to be the one my family ate gelato at 5 years ago. It was really awesome to see it and remember. 

We ran, yes literally ran to a sunset overlook of the city. It was so worth it. This is a shot of the Duomo, the 3rd largest church in the World, peeping out over the top of Florence. 

Sarah and I at the sunset scenic overlook

We had an incredible meal at this nice family-friendly tuscan restaurant. We were adventurous and had an assortment of breads, spreads, and meats for appetizer, a Duck stroganoff-like noodle dish, and wild boar. I would eat that boar every week for the rest of my life, it was so tender! 

Kat really loved the statue of the Wild Boar. If you rub its nose you will return to Florence! 

That night we settled down to a nice wine and some italian cookies! 

Meet Donato. He was our authentic Italian Renaissance walking tour guide! He showed us this funny hole in the wall where they used to have drive through wine. Just order a glass, they'll hand it to you through the hole and you can drink it on the spot with a buddy. Quite humorous! 

Michaelangelo's David. It was stunning in person. He is so much larger than you would anticipate. The picture doesn't really capture it. But I did want you to see the man drawing it on the left there. I thought that was pretty sweet. 

Florence was beautiful. I can't wait for more adventures. I'll keep you in the loop!