Florence & Pisa

Last weekend, we took a 3 hour train ride to Florence and spent two nights. We also took side train trips from Florence to Pisa and Lucca, near the coast. The weather was perfect, the food in Florence was delicious, and we had a hotel room that was clean and roomy and in the center of everything (our thanks to Rick Steves.) The biggest highlight for me was our first stop -- visiting the Accademia Gallery where Michaelangelo's David stands -- 17 feet tall and 506 years old. After seeing photos all of our lives, this was a thrill for me and Bryan. I had to sneak this photo because they wouldn't allow it. I know, I know, sue me or call the Florentine Carabinieri. This was too big a deal not to have my own shot (or 2!) Copies of David were all over town where I could take his picture, but I did not know this at the time. Anyway you've all seen him before, but here's the real deal!



Here are more of my statue shots from around town...





Here's the gorgeous view we had of the Arno River, near sunset, from the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge...



The cathedrals are so amazing, and there were so many of them, one more beautiful than the next. We always go in the cathedrals if they are open. It is quite humbling and the art in them is the best anywhere. I took so many medieval cathedral pictures I've lost track of which one was which! Here are some interiors and exteriors...





Art really was everywhere --even on the streets...


Here's a monkey shot for the grandparents...


We took a one hour train ride west to Pisa, where the famous leaning tower lives. It was also a thrill to see in person. It was not as tall as I thought it would be, but it leaned more than I thought it could! It is Pisa tourist law that you must subject your children to stupid pushing-over-the-tower photos. We had no choice in the matter, so here's our best efforts. ;o)


We had lunch in view of the tower. The pizza was the worst we've had in Italy and they charged us 5 euro for tap water, but the kids still enjoyed their much anticipated piece-a-pisa-pizza!


Here's the kiddos overlooking the same Arno River, just in Pisa this time...


We then took a 30 minute train ride to the town of Lucca. It is an old high-walled fortified city. I didn't get very good pictures there because it was getting dark and was drizzling and we were tired and hungry. We walked across town and went in a few cathedrals and headed back to the train station to return to Florence for another yummy dinner. Another cathedral visit and a train trip the next morning and we were home. We all had a wonderful time. The kids were so good and enjoyed everything as well. We'll definitely be going back to Florence!

Green Belt

Here's our new 3rd level green belt. Andrew just started Tae Kwon Do here in Italy, but he got credit for his lessons in Texas. He is pumped up to work up to his black belt by the time we leave Italy. Here he is with his instructor, Corinne.



Here's the kids tossing their old belts at the end of the ceremony. Andrew is in the middle back.

Halloween

Here's the Jedi and the Candy Corn Witch...


And here's the same sweet little witch after she passed out on the floor when we got home...