Florence

Even though we have arrived home I wanted to post the remaining pictures and give a quick drop of information about what it is you are looking at.  Enjoy the pictures of Florence.  It was an amazing city with lots of history and of course food.  Enjoy the pics and I look forward to seeing everyone back around town.

Ciao

Just another amazing fountain in Florence.

The front of the Duomo.  The most famous place in Florence known for its large dome that carries the skyline of the city.

The side and the Duomo itself.

The Southwest Tower of the church.  They like tall things with no other access then stairs in Italy.

The main square and clock tower.

One of the copies of the David.  You are not allowed to photograph the original for copyright purposes.

They certainly are into detail in all their designs.  

A statue of Icarus after fighting Medusa 

Jeff, Kay and David

Town from the other side of the river

Duomo at night all lit up.

More food that tasted soooo goood.

The inside of the Duomo.  No space wasted.

The alter

Me, right before Kay and I climb to the top of the Southwest Tower.

Both happy and ready to go up 442 stairs.

The view gets even better when at the top

Sunny days allow for amazing views from the top highest building with nothing to block your view.

Kay was feeling less excited then when she started but she made it.

I still look happy 

This is from Michelangelo's park across the river.  You can see the old protective wall that used to circle the city.

Less stairs to get up here, happier people.

Before climbing the Duomo.  Kay opted to stay down for this one.

The Duomo from a little bit closer.

Some images of angels and demons battling for the souls of people.  Usual stuff.

Kay heard they had an outer wall that they built where they worked. slept, ate and even bathroomed in while they worked on building the Duomo.  I still am not sure how they painted this.

Still smiling from the top.  Over 900 stairs between the Tower, Duomo and the Park.  

Bologna, not just for sandwiches

In my second trip to Bologna, once last December, it was everything I remember, mostly out of this world food.  I was able to explore a little more this time though since more things were open with it not being so close to Christmas.  Kay and I had a good time at the Mid-evil Museum, located conveniently across from where we were staying.   There were many things on display, some from the 3rd century.  Now that is old!  With a little shopping added in, we went to Franko Rossi, the only restaurant I will go to in Bologna, for dinner one night.  The food was so good Kay almost died.  It was like nothing I have ever eaten, at least since the last time I was there.  Mr. Rossi was on hand of course and full of good spirits and kind words, in Italian.  We are getting closer to our return date.  Kay and I will fly home September 25 and I will see many of you sometime after that.  Enjoy the pictures and try not to lick the screen.

Ciao

One of the churches in Bologna.  It is Italy, there are several.

A cool mural, of Latin American history, on a wall in Bologna, Italy.  Can't explain it but still thought it was well done.  This was by the University.

They have their own leaning tower in Bologna.  It had posted that they just found official city documents when this was constructed.  They are still learning more about why it leans.

The Palace.  There is one in every city.

Shoes women used to wear in mid-evil times to seem taller.  No more complaining ladies.

Cool sarcophagus.

They love the Madonna.

Some serious rings.  Makes the super bowl rings seem small.

Hand pistols on display.

A tomb of one of the knights of the period.

A knights' shield that has him and his horse painted on it while fighting a dragon.

Some armor of the period.

Some of the swords... 

that were identifiable by the handle having the owning knights head built into it.

Have to keep your horses safe.

These rifles were so intricate with detail. 

This is just the stock.

The detail went all the way down the barrel.

All of these rifles are from the third century.  That is the "200's" for those keeping score at home.

Another of the churches we got to see.  Every piece has detail carved into it.

First course, vegi flan with artichokes for Kay and potato with saffron and pashuto for me.

Second course, pumpkin tortellini in a butter sauce for Kay, Jeff got rigatoni with a Bolognese style sauce that Kay wanted to bath in.

Third course, grilled lamb for Kay and beef cutlets with veggies for me.

Tiramisu.  Nothing else to say.