Died and gone to heaven

Second night in Florence, found the coolest place called the Proscutteria. They make up awesome plates of cured meats, cheeses, bread, small fishies (yum, anchovies). I didn't want to leave.

Florence

We got into Florence yesterday afternoon and mostly just strolled around. This morning we got up early to get into the Uffize before the lines were long. Was easy as pie, and the museum was amazing. So much gorgeous renaissance art! I wish I remembered all the art history I learned long ago! (picture is from the top of Uffize looking down at ponte vecchio)
After the Uffize we went to the Pitti Palace, which contains, you guessed it, more amazing art! After wandering through room after room after room just covered with classics, we went upstairs to see the "modern" area. Ha ha....they define modern as anything after 1800!!!
Then we went to the old Central Market where locals were shopping for their produce, meat, cheeses, and had lunch at a little pasta shop, delish. after lunch, we headed to the Duomo (translation: huge church!)....amazing, especially the huge dome by Bruneschelli.
Tired, we are back at the hotel for a brief siesta, will head out to wander the streets and find dinner soon.

More and more duomos!

We left Siena after lunch, and headed to Florence. Dropped off the rental car (Bill was happy to not be driving anymore!). Spending afternoon/evening strolling around the city, planning our strategy for tackling the major sites tomorrow. Picture is of another gorgeous church, the duomo of Florence.

We have found that Internet/ wi-fi is sketchy and hard to find throughout Italy. And, weather has been warm....in the 80s most days! Looks like it will cool down as we go to the Cinque Terra and Venice.

Siena Duomo

Spent last night in Siena (totally divey hotel room, but the price and location were great!). This morning walked the Siena sights - this over-the-top renaissance church. We also climbed up to a cool vista to look over the sprawling rooftops of the city.

Florence

From the bridge in florence

Siena

From a tower in siena

Siena

The top of Siena