THIRD STOP---FLORENCE

After two perfect nights in Vernazza we took a train to Florence. Trying to describe Florence is an impossible task. It has been said that 70% of the world's greatest art is in Italy and that 50% of that is in Florence. I certainly wouldn't begin to argue with that.

While in Florence we went to the Ufizzi museum, the Pitti Palace, Pointe Vechio, the Medici Chapels, the Museum Dei Duomo, San Croce, San Marcos, Anunziata Church, the Academia, and so many other beautiful churches. One of Ron's favorite places was San Croce where you find the tombs of Michelangelo, Marconi, Machievelli, Galileo, and a monument to Dante. It was unbelievable. These tombs are huge sculptures, amazing to behold. I was particularly drawn to San Marcos where a monk named Fra Angelico decorated the cells of his monestary with frescos of incredible distinction. Of course we also were overwhelmed by Michelangelo's David at the Academia and the Bottecelli room at the Ufizzi and so much more.

Lisa and I climbed the 453 steps of Santa Maria di Fiore's Duomo. What views! We could survey the entire city of Florence. Without a doubt I am forgetting some of the Florence highlights. What I do know for sure is I have never experienced anything even close to these awesome places.