Darkness settled around us like a blanket, the early morning choruses of the birds echoed off the old apartment buildings, years of history hidden in each one. We were sadly leaving Rome and its history behind but ready to start a brand new adventure in other cities. Florence was next on our list and I was excited. A city known for its leather and culture. Sounds like the perfect place.
The exasperated huffs and puffs of people in a hurry to get to their various jobs, the click of suitcase wheels on tiles, it overwhelmed me. We were looking for a place to have breakfast, the various options were endless. We just needed a simple croissant and a drink, neon signs claiming that their pastries and drinks were the best. Settling for a simple café, chocolate pastries and drinks served, the choruses of delight filled the air.
Scenery rushed by the window, joined by the quiet murmurs of business carriage passengers. Yes, we were in the business carriage on the train. Hamish and I had already sung a silly song about it. “WE’RE IN BUSINESS YEAH! WE’RE IN BUSINESS YEAH!”. Being in business was certainly different to what I had previously experienced on trains. When I catch the train to Echuca with Nanny and Pa we usually have to fight against the endless flow of people just to get a seat, but on this train, we could just waltz in and take our time. The time on the train seemed to flow away easily like sand slips through your fingers. Music, writing blog posts such as this one and plenty of laughs and happiness.
Next stop Firenze Central! That was our stop, we were finally in Florence! A city I had first heard about when I watched Pinocchio when I was four or five. The story of Pinocchio takes place in Florence and nearly everywhere you look you could probably find a Pinocchio puppet. Excitement filled the air, thoughts of buying leather goods consumed everyone’s thoughts as we walked to our hotel. The Royal Atlantic Hotel whose blue and gold colour scheme captivated everyone’s opinions on the hotel. I suppose this makes sense because the hotel has to draw customers in some way. Eager to stretch our stiff legs from the seemingly endless train trip we decided to go for a quick walk and check out the lines for the Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo. We set off, hiding under umbrellas as the persisting rain continued to spit. Hamish and Dad desperately needed a haircut as Dad’s hair was starting to go curly and Hamish’s ‘cool boy’ haircut had started to grow out. After finding a suitable hair salon it was decided that the boys would go in, while Mum and I would go down the street to a small café for a drink and to pore over a map of Florence, planning our activities. We came across an advertisement for a pizza and gelato cooking class the next night. We booked almost straight away.
A commotion suddenly filled the quiet lazy atmosphere of the café. The boys had come in, Hamish complaining about how he hated his new hairstyle. I actually really liked it, the hairstyle suited him and complimented his best features. We soon set off, again in the persistent rain.
Our initial plan was to have an easy day walking around Florence, having a chance to breathe after the chaotic last few days. However, after we walked past the Accademia, where Michelangelo’s ‘David’ is located, we discovered that the line was very short and in a few short minutes we were inside. Michelangelo’s ‘David’ is the main sculpture that tourists go to see and I can clearly see why. The size, the detail and the authority he seems to possess are all leading factors. Dad and I thought that his right hand was a little out of proportion, a fact that we keep meaning to look up. The other sculptures and plaster models were very interesting. Most of them were naked of course, Europe seems to have a fascination with naked bodies.
The next stop was the Uffizi Gallery. This Gallery was high on mum’s wish list and she was very eager to go there. Hamish and I were less eager. Another museum to go to, another couple hundred paintings and sculptures to look at. Great … this is definitely the best way to spend my day – not!. Despite my endless distaste for another museum the Uffizi Gallery was actually very interesting. The sheer size of the place, the beautiful paintings on the roof and the number of objects in various stages of restoration – some broken, some intact and paintings from all over the centuries. I couldn’t believe it. Here I was standing and staring at paintings that are from the first century. I was completely in shock.
Our visit to the Uffizi Gallery was soon over. A mixture of tired feet, tempers rising and the fact that the day was nearly over. Heading home for a quick dinner of pizza and pasta (again!), we came across the Duomo where once again the lines were short. Seizing the opportunity, we went inside for a look. After so many churches and museums I was getting bored but we did light a candle.
A short walk back to our accommodation through the leather markets, stopping for dinner on the way and we were soon in bed exhausted.