More photos from Florence

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Florence was the important city during Renaissance where giants like Leonardo Da Vinci, Donatello and Botticelli lived and worked. It it a place full of museums and important churches. I rolled into Florence from Venice on the train, and this time I practiced what I learned. No taxi from the train station to my hostel. (No blood left for taxi drivers to suck dry anymore after almost 2 weeks in Europe, sorry). I bought the tourist map at the train station and was lucky to locate my hostel immediately. Then I walked while maneuvering the 2 large luggages clumsily through the streets of Florence. About half an hour later, I arrived at my hostel Ostello Gallo D'Oro, the owners of the hostel was extremely warm and welcoming, in the Italian style. They served me water and capuccino when I walked in...and treated me with the hospitality befitting to a family guest.

Arrived shortly after me was this young French guy from Paris (Johann), who initially I did not take to immediately, probably due to cultural differences. (Okay, the fact that when he spoke, he sounded exactly like Stephen Dion may also contribute to my initial prejudge). However, by and by, I found him to be a nice guy...one should not judge based on initial gut reactions, especially dealing with people who come from different cultures and have different sense of humor. This is a lesson worth remembering. In fact, Johann and I spent the second day together exploring Florence.

There were also 2 other young Americans (Brian and Kevin) in the dorm. Brian appeared to be an outgoing, well-spoken (chatty), smartly-dressed go-getter- he had an amazing ability to hold up a conversation. He is from Florida and studies European history. Quite an interesting personality. Kevin is more quiet, and he was in Florence for a classical music festival, which unfortunately was cancelled after he arrived (poor guy), however, he will continue to Salzburg festival in Austria. Both are nice people to share a dorm with.

The next day, Johann and I went to the Uffizi museum, which is one of the most famous museums in the world. There I came face-to-face with Masters' works such as The Birth of Venus, the Arrival of Spring by Botticelli, the Arrival of Spring and Leonardo Da Vinci's works. Later in the afternoon, we went to the traditional market and stopped at the garden side of Florence. You can see that the river and the gardens in the pictures below. We also visited the Basilica of Santa Croce where it contained frescos by Giotto, Michaelangelo and other well-know Renaissance painters. It was also the place where Michaelangelo was buriedl. Lastly, we went to the Medici Palace, where it was converted to an awesome museum with Medicis' and Florentine art collection.

All in all, Florence is an amazing and comfortable place to visit. It is full of culture, art and it is not as crammed as Venice. Stepping on the soil and roads where the giants of our humanity lived was a thrilling experience. After all, all the thoughts and efforts of our predecessors eventually contributed to genetic make-ups of our civilization today. Renaissance was where the story really began...and I bore witness in person to the artifacts from that extraordinary period in human history.

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Photos

Basilica of Santa Croce
Where you can find frescos of Giotto, and other artistic giants. This is also the place where Michaelangelo was buried.

Museum Uffizi
One of the most famous museum in Florence where you can find works of Bottecelli (Birth of Venus, Primavera), Leonardo Da Vinci, Donatello. etc.