Florence

October 21, 2010
Florence, Italy
- took Ship Shuttle to Piazza Grande in Livorno, then took a city bus to train station. Since shuttle didn't leave until 7:49 we missed the 8:10 train to Florence so we had to wait an hour for the 9:10 train.
- arrived in Florence around 10:30 and immediately went to the Accademia even though our reservation wasn't until 3 pm. They let us in and we saw Michelangelo's "David"- it was a highlight in my life!!!!!
- saw 2 Elders riding bikes- gave them a quick shout out as we crossed the street.
- walked through central Florence passed the Pallazzo Medici (1 block away from the Duomo) then passed the Duomo to see Ghiberti's doors on the baptistry (!!!!) and on to the Uffizi.
- saw Botticelli's "Primavera" and "Birth of Venus"- it was kind of weird to see them framed and behind glass. Another highlight!! Saw Caravaggio's "Judith Slaying Hollefernes"- AMAZING!!!!!!!
- walked down the back of the museum down to the Ponte Vecchio- did some shopping (scarves and ties and looked and looked and looked for a sweater for dad).
- got back in train to Livorno at 3:10 pm and arrived at 4:50- took the bus back to the piazza to catch the shuttle- the bus was SO crowded but not as bad as the train yesterday. Met a funny group from Chicago waiting/ guarding the line for the Ship Shuttle (which cost $8 each for a 10 minute ride). Some people are so rude/selfish/ignorant of people lining up and waiting patently- getting on the shuttle was ridiculous and yet hilarious because husband were getting on without their wives and vice versa then complaining about it. CRAZY but the shuttle organizer was awesome and didn't take any line cutters or shovers.
- back on ship: went to dinner and the staff sang for us :)
- played Name That Beatles Tune but they did trick questions and played singled-out parts like Ringo's drums in "Strawberry Fields"
- Sang Kareoke (Les sang "Cowboy Take Me Away" by Dixie Chicks!!)
- watched The Quest game show.
- watched dancers at Club 20 party which basically seemed like a party for the cruise director staff. I wish I had the courage to go dance with them but I was tired and looked like crap and they all were such amazing dancers.Palazzo Medici!!

Bruneleschi's Dome!!! This architectural marvel ushered in the Renaissance!!

Stairway in the Uffizi

Outside front entrance of the Uffizi.

Ponte Vecchio

Gelato!!!!!!!!!!!!

So tired so we are taking a rest before our big night out.

Europe Feet- I think we sped walked through Italy :)