The "Florence and David" Story

It was an ordinary day. Wednesday. We had just arrived at Florence, Italy. Traveled here earlier this morning from Vicenza. Carol and I are with a group of 30 tourists from Lancaster. We started with 32, but two returned to the USA after the first stop. Forgot their toothbrushes! No, the husband became ill so they returned home. We are at the Ristorante Aruora, overlooking Florence, for a 3 course lunch of bruschetta, quail and veggies and a dessert. Naturally, all the wine you could drink came with the meal. Water, which came with or without "gas" (carbonation), cost extra. After lunch we visited the Villa Mediceenes which was a beautiful house with fantastic gardens. It was the rush tour because we showed up early afternoon when they wanted to a nap. Checked in at the Hotel Machiavelli Palace which is in the downtown of Florence. 4thfloor room with a balcony overlooking the street. Really neat. That evening Carol and I traveled across the street with Rosalyn and her daughter Melissa for the best pizza I had ever had. So good we had to order another one. Thursday we took a walking tour of Florence and visited The Academy Gallery where Michelangelo' sculpture "David" is displayed. Breathtaking! No photos are allowed. They take your camera if you try. After we left, I stood right outside the door and when the next person opened the door I was ready with my camera. But....the guard put his hand in front of me so I couldn't get a good shot. I'm not sure what the big deal is with taking the photo. We also toured the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Mariadel Fiore in Piazza Duomo and the open air markets. What I thought was a lifelike sculpture in one of the piazzas turned and offered his hand to me. Holy s*#t! Scared the crap out of me. Naturally I shook his hand. He wouldn't let go until I found some change to give him. The following morning Melissa, Rosalyn and I got up early and headed to the market house. Every type of fruit, vegetable, pasta, fish and meat you can imagine. Most animals still had the head attached. Really gross!! No breakfast needed after that. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Photos from top are: view from our hotel balcony, fantastic four at supper, our pizza, "David", Carol supporting a sculpture, Larry shaking hands with a sculpture, and butcher with chicken at the market.