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Ponte Vecchio
Great walking bridge that rememnded me of Disneyland.Since my freshman year at Pepperdine I have always wanted to visit Florence. As much as I hated Heritage class (European history, politics, culture, religion), because your entire grade rested on a mid-term and final essay test, I loved learning about the artists of Florence. I am finally here; unfortunately, so it everybody else.
School is out, there are college kids and high school groups everywhere and it’s hot.
The heat tends to bring up unpleasant smells as you walk the streets (think heated trash), but then all of a sudden you’ll turn a corner to be saved by a whiff of warm waffles cooking at the Gelateria (good stuff!).
Day one I got the lay of the land and walked throughout the town. My hotel was near the Duomo, so I started there. I found the outside of the Duomo much more impressive than the inside. I climbed Giotto’s Tower then headed to Palazzo Vecchio to see the fake David statue (placed where the real one once stood). To the right of the Palazzo is Loggia dei Lanza, with the Cellini bronze statue of Perseus holding the head of Medusa. Very cool statue.
Next up was one
My New Buddies
Kevin and Michael - from dinner buddies to life long friends. Can't wait to see you in San Diego! of my favorites of Florence, Santa Croce Basilica. Defined as “the Pantheon of the nation’s glories”, many famous Florentines are buried there including Macchiavelli, Galileo, Michelangelo, and a tomb for Dante (his body never made it there). Also notable are Giotto’s frescos showing scenes of St. Francis’s life. That’s a whole lot of talent represented in one building!
Florence was the first big city I had been to since Val left. I was missing having a travel buddy, and was not enthused with the idea of having to go to dinner by myself. But I picked myself up, and went to dinner at Aqua al 2 (GREAT recommendation Tori!).
After putting my name in (for one) I came back after 45 minutes and the manager pointed me to my seat. I thought he was a little confused because there were already two guys sitting at the table. I looked at him and he said “yes, sit, sit!” sounding a little irritated. I looked at the two guys, sat down (at the same table) and said, “I think I’m eating with you.” They smiled (thank god!) and next thing you know, we start talking and totally hit it off!
Duomo Florence
View from climbing the tower. Kevin and Michael, from San Diego, were doing a pit stop in Italy before heading to a friends wedding in Spain. Kevin had met the girl that was getting married years ago on another trip to Europe and they’ve been friends ever since. We had so much fun at dinner we met up for dinner the following night at Trattoria 4 Leoni (another great recommendation, thank you Angela!). I can’t wait to see them back in California to go to Aqua al 2 in San Diego (don’t forget guys, September!).
I completed my Florence trip with the Uffizi Gallery tour and the tour of the real David statue. I would have liked to have stayed longer in Florence, but with the heat, the crowds and no place to stay due to a fashion show going on throughout the city, I decided I had seen my top sites and was ready to move on.
I would say that today I live my life free of regrets, however when I have children and they get to college, I will encourage them to do a semester abroad. I always wanted to go to Pepperdine’s semester abroad program in Florence but I
The Fake David
In front of the Palazzo Vecchio. thought I would miss out on all the "happenings" at school. Boy was I wrong. I remember when friends came back from these programs, having studied in Heidelberg, London and Florence, they were changed. Now I understand why.
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Gary & Jeff
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How great is Italy!
You have seen so much of Italy-I am so jealous! It is so great the way you are making new friends and really enjoying everything you can. We had dinner with (your brother) Kevin and Christa last night and talked about all the amazing places you are seeing. Keep having fun!