Justin's Journey

After breakfast at a cafe (a cup of cappuccino and a croissant), I went to say good morning to David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Although there were plenty of visitors, Michelangelo’s David sculpture is still magnificent in the crowd. I spent some time to appreciate the sculpture. I noticed that David’s hands and feet were bigger than I thought, proportional to the body. I wasn’t sure if it’s me, or just the design of the sculpture. I did noticed other sculptures by Michelangelo in the museum seem to have the similar attribute. It was a beautiful sculpture regardless. There were other sculptures and paintings to enjoy in the museum. Particularly sculptures, it’s very interesting to study their details. I then took a walk to Basilica di San Lorenzo. Unfortunately, there was a viewing of the remain of an official. It’s not open for the visitors. Still, the Renaissance architecture outside is still very impressive. It’s a short walk to the Piazza del Duomo. The amazing gothic Duomo is decorated with incredible marble pattern outside. The painting inside the roof of the dome is eye opening. I even climbed up to the top of the dome. The view was wonderful, although I had to deal with my concern for height. 🙂

After eating a prosciutto panini for a mid-day snack, I headed to the Galleria Degli Uffizi. It is famous for the painting of the “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli, in addition to other works by Michelangelo, Filippo Lippi, etc. I also found the paintings of the ceiling amazing. Each panel of the ceiling along the hall has a different theme. I was mostly looking up when I walked in the hallway.

It’s a day with lots of walking. I was getting tired in the late afternoon. I went back to the hotel and rested a little. At 7pm, I went to a family run italian restaurant Trattoria Casalinga. When I arrived, some people, both locals and tourists were lining up already. The food was good, a simply Italian home made meal. I got prosciutto with mozzarella cheese for appetizer, spaghetti with meat sauce, and an order of roast beef. I was so relaxed after meal, and called it a day. Tomorrow I will head to Rome for my last city of the 7-week trip. I am looking forward to going home although I am still enjoying the last couple of days of my trip.