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Published: August 21st 2009
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This morning we took a stroll around the Piazzas within walking distance of the Hotel, including some amazing churches and Basilicas. We entered the Church of St Mary with Angles and Martyrs which was built inside some ancient roman baths and designed by Michelangelo when he was in his 80’s.
We also found the “Scala Santa” (or Holy Staircase) which is said to be the steps from the house of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem which Christ climbed before being brought before Pilate before being crucified. It is said to still show the drops of blood from Jesus. Pilgrims ascend this staircase on their knees; many were doing this as we arrived. We ascended the adjoining stairs and left the Pilgrims to it, reaching the chapel of St Lawrence which as with all chapels, churches, etc we have found in Rome is beautiful and full of art of all kinds.
We found the train to Florence and as I type I am watching the Italian countryside go by at 250kph. We wanted to take the train for our leg up to Florence and Venice to see a little of Italy outside of the cities. As we travel along there are
small farms with crops of sunflowers and corn. Each little farm seems to have at least a few vines around the house. The countryside is beautiful. Small towns dot the landscape with the odd hilltop town which look to include fortifications which may date back hundreds or thousands of years. Every now and then we pass a ruin of an old aqueduct. The Romans built aqueducts which provided fresh water to Rome and ran all the fountains without the need for pumps. All the fountains around Rome (about 2000) are still run by water pressure alone from sources 50 to 70km from Rome, no pumps are required.
Well, were are in Florence, and you guessed it, it’s hot here too, over 38C at 6pm. We fortunately have an air conditioner in the hotel room which is a relief. The heat saps your strength when sightseeing, although it does make a good excuse to enjoy the wonderful Italian Gelato
We ventured out in the early evening (it’s still 35C+) and found a city which is relaxed and wonderful. I can see why people come to Tuscany and love it so much they stay. Compared to Rome this place is
a paradise. There are none of the low flying vehicles of Rome, here the drivers give way to pedestrians, and given there are so few vehicles this is not required often. The streets are filled with shops of all kinds from fashion to leather to electronics. There are street vendors selling scarves and ties as well as leather goods and other items.
We enjoyed a meal in a piazza with a wonderful old fashion carousel and street vendors. For 30 years my parents have been raving about eating prosciutto ham and rock melon, a meal they found in Florence in the 70s, but with the prosciutto we can get in Australia I didn’t really understand. After tonight’s meal I understand. The prosciutto in Florence is so different to that which we get in Australia and combining this with rockmelon is just divine.
We visited the Piazza with a copy of Michelangelo’s “David”, tomorrow morning we will see the real thing.
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