Last Day in Florence

Yesterday I decided I wanted to climb to the very top of the famous dome in Florence. Jacques, Kathy, and I got there at 8:00 to ensure to be one of the first in line when it opened at 8:30. It was 463 steps, but we all made it and boy was it worth it! The view was spectacular and I will be posting only one of the pictures that I took. I walked around in the circle at the top trying to capture every angle on film. The pictures don't really translate the beauty. This morning we went to the Uffizi Gallery, which is a famous museum with works of Botticello, Da vinci, Michelangelo, and many others. My favorite was Venus on the half shell telling the story of how she was born (painted by Botticello). I was not allowed to take any pictures once again. Our tour guide, Tanya, was so knowledgeable, engaging, and funny. She is definitely one of my favorites so far. We also went to and walked along the famed bridge, Ponte Vecchio, which has gold shops all along it. The other picture is of this bridge. Kathy and I did a little shopping in the afternoon for others and ourselves while Jacques decided to do a little laundry at a local laundromat. Tonight we got to go to a local Pizzeria by Sante Croce and see the chefs making our pizzas before devouring them. I got the eggplant pizza with mozzarella and parmesan. Yum! We walked to a gelato place and on to our hotel where we ended with sitting out on the roof terrace with others from the tour group just chatting and enjoying one another's company. What a pleasant way to spend the evening. I love Italy.