Lion of St Mark

In the Piazza San Marco, on top of the column is the Lion of St Mark with San Giorgio Maggiore in the back ground. This morning we left the hotel and realized we were in the midst of an acqua alta. The walkways were up and we made our way along them to the Doge's Palace. Doug referred to the piazza as Lago San Marco. The water was several inches deep.

Venice

We took the train from Florence to Venice on Monday, the 7th, and encountered a one day strike of the vaporetto drivers. After we had waited about 40 minutes, we realized we may not get a water bus, so we started walking. It was quite an adventure. I usually expect to walk and walk with Doug but this was an unexpected 'bonus'. We arrived, finally, got settled, and then went off again. It had started to rain so out came the umbrellas. No pictures with is post since we were either lugging bags or dodging raindrops. Maybe tomorrow. Although, we are a bit concerned since the 'aqua alta' walkways are lined up on the streets. We may be in for some high water.

Piazza Michelangelo

Another view.

Climbing to Piazza Michelangelo

On Sunday, we climbed to the piazza Michelangelo which overlooks the city of Florence. Impressive views. We then went on to the church at the top. It is still a monastery, with the brothers manning the souvenir shop.

We missed the Medici chapel, designed by Michelangelo, because it closed early. Back to our hotel to get ready for our departure for Venice the next day.

My usual internet cafe was closed on Sunday and the substitution was unsatisfactory, since I never was able to get on line.

From our roof top garden

The hotel has a roof top garden and it is quite pleasant to sit outside at night a sip some grappa.

After our wanderings on Saturday we relaxed up there, too.

Our last stop was the Bargello Museum of sculpture. It has several Michelangelo, Donatello and Cellini sculptures. Pottery, carved ivory, small bronzes and coins are also featured.

On our way back to the hotel, we wondered through the Central Market, an indoor market with cheese, meat, wine and vegetables stalls.

Market today

We wondered into this market on Saturday as we were walking to our appointed destinations. It was a fruit, vegetable and handcrafted goods market. A change from the usual. Every where you go you see stalls with the same leather goods, shawls, pottery, t-shirts and other souvenirs. Tourist goods. I succumbed to one or two items.

Our first stop of the day was at San Marco church. It was a Dominican monastery. Fra Angelico was one of the brothers and his paintings and frescoes are everywhere. Another famous brother was Savonarola, the monk who brought down the Medicis, re-established the republic as a theocracy. His room with some artifacts are in the museum.

Piazza del signoria

Friday. This is the main piazza in Florence. A few short steps takes you to the Uffizi Gallery featuring paintings from Medieval to Renaissance. Giotto to Michelangelo and Raphael. This was our first stop.
From there we went to the Santa Croce church and church of Santa Maria Novella. Both impressive, lots of frescoes and paintings. Lots of walking. My legs were tired, but so were my eyes. After a while it is hard to concentrate and differentiate. When Doug asked if I wanted to go to another museum, I refused--I just couldn't take in another image.

We collapsed at the end of the day. (Friday) We couldn't even get ourselves out for dinner. Wine and cheese in the room was all we could manage. But it was good...