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Ufizzi

We started our day at the Uffizi. While we are not claiming any semblance of exertion rivaling our young men in the Pyrenees, the one hour wait in line along with the 100 step climb to the Gallery was a heck of a start (yes I counted, that's what I do).  Only a few rooms are air conditioned, so we got a bit slap happy at the end and decided to create a "match the title to the statue game." To play, try to match the number to the correct statue. 1. I'm not talking to you. 2. Stayin' Alive. 3. Jazz hands.  4. I'm a little teapot. 5. . . . Me either!  This was really funny when we planned it. 

There is much to see and, without the silliness, so many beautiful works.  The flowers were at the hotel restaurant. We are heading out to arrange for a taxi in the morning and to print boarding passes and such. Maybe see Machiavelli. . .    

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Big Dave

The David, what hasn't already been said?  He is still magnificent. I don't remember that you could take photos before and sadly, now that you can, the trend to take a photo ala pushing up the Leaning Tower of Pisa or holding the setting sun in the palm of your hand has been translated to looking like your measuring David's junk. 😳  

Just chip away the parts that don't belong and voila!  

Just chip away the parts that don't belong and voila!  

The rest of the day was comprised of mediocre meals, still pricey, and shopping, even pricier. (November found a beautiful Florence pendant and earrings).  We have observed the Italians birth a lot of people who could all qualify to be models. It takes people watching to new heights. We had some down time for the feetsies (November is wearing bandaids!) and marveled at the color of the sky at 9:30 at night. 

It is looking like Siena is not in the cards, so we will try for the Uffizi and other marvels tomorrow.  


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Firenze to Venicia and back

The Bridge of Sighs. 

The Bridge of Sighs. 

Another scorcher today; 97 in Florence. We took the rapide train to Venice, saw the Orient express (next venture?), got lost while looking confident about our whereabouts, visited St. Mark's square, had pizza and bellinis, and bought hats. Hats are to Italy what sweatshirts are to San Francisco in the summer...mandatory.  

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Two wild and tired ladies

Nothing says stylin' like argyle sleepwear. 

Nothing says stylin' like argyle sleepwear. 

Lots of flying today with October starting at SFO on a 6 a.m. flight to pick up November in Chicago then on through Frankfurt to Florence. We actually don't think the Italian authorities know we are here; no passport check and stamp. ???  We just followed the crowds through the nothing to declare line, which apparently includes our arrival. In an effort to stay awake we went to a disappointing run through the Duomo. It's really run down since October's last visit.  The Battistero is being renovated, so maybe the cathedral is next.  Then we hauled ourselves to the Ponte Vecchio and didn't buy anything!  November did buy a fan because it's about 96 and warming.  Tomorrow we will take a speed train to Venice where we are certain to end up on the Bridge of Sighs as convicted illegal aliens. 

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Rationale for rationality

Rational, to be fair to November, is when October, with a history of vacationing feet covered in bandaids, goes ahead and buys new shoes again, because this time it will be different. I only packed bandaids in case some other hapless sole has a need.

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The Conversations

We aren't even on the plane and I've had to convince my sister, November, that taking candles and matches on a plane may not be a good idea, even if it is checked baggage.  She also may have heard one too many stories about the ability of gentle people, like children, actively "borrowing" your valuables.  Don't want your wallet lost if the bottom is accessed by random use of a sharp object?  Got that covered! Clearly I, October, am much more rational! 

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