A Day and a Half in Florence

While we were talking to the manager/owner of Dany House, we asked him about a gelato place which he would recommend for us to try. He pointed to the attraction spot of Duomo and told us that around that area was a great place to try. He forgot the name but said it was definitely a must-try.

So off we went after our trip to the Academia to see the Duomo. After we finished taking photos around the area, we went in search of that gelato place and found one named Grom.

We figured it was Grom that Lorenzo meant regarding great Italian gelato. The small corner shop was filled with people. Despite the cold weather, people seem to be enjoying their treat.

There were many variants available and different sizes to choose from. It was difficult choosing because I wanted to taste everything! I decided to take the four euro cup which will allow me four flavors. I asked the lady to put in the cup what she would recommend we should taste. And I'm glad I did that!

She piled peach and rum, pistachio, extra dark chocolate and nociolato in my cup. And woooow! She knows her stuff! Our group was just mmmmmm-ing at every bite/lick/whathaveyou of the gelato. It was absolutely delicious! Any flavor that I put in my mouth was just an explosion of flavor. But I was especially enthralled by the extra dark chocolate gelato. It was just a taste of heaven every time I put it in my mouth! Mmmmmm...

After we finished our cups, everyone left with a smile on our faces. It doesn't matter that the temperature was jsut 6 degrees centigrade and that it was raining outside. That delicious Grom gelato just warmed our hearts!

It's crazy to wear new shoes when going to a museum! Something I learned when I entered the Uffizi museum. The main attraction of the place was the Botticeli paintings of "The Birth of Venus" and "Spring."

But once again the museum boasts of the many talented Italian artists of the Renaissance and Medieval periods. The corridors to the galleries were also lined with different marble sculptures depicting Roman gods, mythical figures and religious characters.

The experience of going through the entire museum was actually quite overwhelming. With three floors of artworks, the ten euros entrance fee we paid for was definitely worth it. Especially when we finally got to the renowned Boticelli paintings.

It was about two and half wingspan in width. Venus stood there right in front of me, in full glory and beauty. The three muses danced as spring came. It was just absolutely stunning and unbelievable to see these masterpieces right in front of me. I had to stare at the paintings for a while, trying to absorb every detail possible. Unfortunately, taking photographs are not allowed so I had to store it all in my brain.

There were many other great paintings as well, but it was only Caravaggio that I remembered. The sheer number of artwork with recurring themes and different artists, when trying to be remembered meld into each other already. But I can remember the sheer awe I felt looking at those I found most interesting. There was so much passion and artistry etched on canvas!

It was funny because we kept looking for the Caravaggio angels since there were postcards and novelty items posted in the museum shop, but apparently it was not in this museum. However, it was still interesting to see the softness of Caravaggio's painting as depicted in "Bacchus." Unlike the masculine and rough depictions in other paintings, Caravaggio's Bachus tended to be more androgenous, bordering on feminine.

All in all, it is definitely worth your money and time if you like art. Make sure you come early so you can relish the paintings that catch your attention. Because there are just absolutely plenty!

For those who may not have the time to go around the many museums of Florence, or for those who prefer not to spend their euros with galleries but still want some exposure to Firenze art, Piazza della Signoria is the best place to go.

The plaza is littered with many marble sculptures from the time of the Renaissance. The sculptures depict many of the Roman gods.

The unclothed sculpture show how the Romans celebrate the human body, as the human body or deities are rendered perfectly and proportionately.

The most eyecatching of all the scultpures is Poseidon fountain. Around the god are water nymphs, sea creatures and horses. In mythology is was actually the water god who created horses as a gift to one of his pursuits.

There are many more sculptures in the plaza, including Hermes stepping on a beheaded body and the head in his hands, a centaur being murdered and other famous stories from Roman mythology.

The square is often crowded with people as restaurants and gelateria line the area. Another thing of interest in Piazza della Signoria are the live statues 'residing' at the steps of the Uffizi Museum. Uffizi is just beside the Plaza.

The live statues are actually mime actors that do so well in not moving. I did not notice them at first. People who put coins by the boxes on their feet may pose for a picture with them. Once a coin is placed, they switch positions often finding a way to acknowledge their giver. I had my own photo with the cupid, who seemed to be enjoying himself. There was also an egyptian pharaoh and what looked like a cavalier to me.

Piazza della Signora is a great place to have a sample of beautiful Italian art as well as the wonders of Italian miming. It's free and interesting, so what more can you ask for!

When in Florence, one of the definite things to do is see Michaelangelo's David in the Academia. That is definitely what we did after we finally had our lunch -- to search for the Academia.

We finally found it and had around two hours left to go around the Museum. We were greeted by numerous paintings from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Most of the paintings depicted Bible stories, especially about Jesus and Mary.

But of course, the highlight of the entire Musuem was the majestic sculpture of David. When I finally saw it, I could not help but feel overwhelmed by the idea that something I have only seen in books and movies finally comes to 'life' right in front of me.

I was finally able to see for myself why Michaelangelo was considered a master. The details of David's perfect anatomy makes one wonder if he was truly carved out of hard marble or sculpted out of clay. The mastery of the muscles and the nerves was so overwhelmingly good. His eyes stared as if angry and ready to fight.

Many other sculptures from Michaelangelo's time was displayed. While David was definitely breathtaking, the other works weren't something to be scoffed at either.

For those who want a trip down history or to see fine art work, a visit to the Academia is a must!

It was actually quite funny to be greeted by a Japanese caretaker in Florence. I thought we were in Twilight Zone! But after the initial shock, Tomo was actually a warm and funny dude.

There were 14 of us and we were split in three different rooms. The hostel is actually just a floor in a building, with four different rooms. Majority of us stayed in the room for eight, while the rest were spread in two rooms.

For 14 euros a night, we can't really be totally picky about our accommodations. The blankets and beds were comfortable enough and warm enough for the chilly November nights. Unfortunately, we don't think the heater was really working. There was also just one bathroom for most of us to share. A couple were lucky enough to be in a room with a bathroom. Both bathrooms did not have enough room to move though and it was quite difficult to find the right mixture of warm and cold.

What was pleasant about our stay was the friendly company of Tomo, Lorenzo the Manager and Agatha the Dog. Our first night, our dinner was free. Lorenzo cooked vegetarian and meat lasagna which was oh-so goooood! So good that I went back for seconds. Tomo's salad wasn't bad either. Agatha was our main form of entertainment as she begged for her own share but failed miserably in her efforts. An Italian meal won't be complete without wine, of course!

Breakfast was also free, again care of Lorenzo. Even his scrambled eggs was delicious! It was a perfect way to start our day.

Of course, the accommodation itself could have more improvement. But like I said, you can't assert much for 14 euros a night. What made our stay at Dany Hostel was the wonderful company of the people who took care of the place. Definitely, it is for backpackers rather than those who seek total comfort.