The outside of the building is this gorgeous green, white, and pink marble. The inside was nice but nothing as grand as I've seen in Rome or back in Spain. I exited the cathedral and saw no line to climb the campanelle (sp?) tower. I then paid them €6 to allow me to climb 414 steps. The views were worth it. As was learning that I haven't fallen out of shape as much as I would have assumed in the last 6 weeks (which is good considering I just promised Steph that I will do a 10 mile and an 11 mile run with her in the next month!).
Next I got into line to climb up to the top of the dome. The line was super long (I learned later that was due to people just stopping where they pleased and blocking the walkways and stairs). I then paid them €8 to allow me to climb 463 stairs. Apparently the extra €2 was worth it because the view was even more incredible.
After my step work-out I wandered around the central market for a bit. It is basically like being in an outdoor leather shop for blocks on end with occasional breaks for murano glass items and t-shirts. I really, really wish I needed a purse.
I grabbed myself a mozzarella and tomato panini for lunch and took a walk down by the river. Followed that up with some more wandering (and gelato) and now I'm showered and resting a bit before I head out again.
I got you all a pic of a replica david sculpture today from near the Ufizzi so you can compare the hand to "man parts" ratio yourselves. Tell me there isn't a problem there!
And that's about it for today. I was very excited to wake up to an email from my college roommates this a.m., especially after writing about friends I don't stay in touch with well enough last night. Made my morning.
What also made my morning is the mom and son team that run my hotel. It's like if my Grandma Eileen and Uncle Richie ran a hotel together. They both have very specific ways of doing everything and if you don't do it that way, you're wrong. The mom rarely smiles and yells commands at Paolo, her son of at least 45 years old non-stop. I love it.
Less than 1 week to go and other than my clothes being a little wrinkled, I feel great. I'm definitely not traveled out and I've managed to keep my feet clean and soft since Rome. I wonder if I would feel differently if I wasn't cheating on myself with some company for my last week but I'm just going to soak it up and enjoy the last days no matter what.
Have I mentioned I miss my cats?
Oh, and I want some cannoli.
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