Big P's European Adventures...Chapter 2-Florence

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We had to overcome a little adversity in order to get to Florence!!! This was the first of two big scenes i've caused already!! After stayin up too late and having too much fun on our last night in Venice, we were in a hurry to catch the public transpo boat that would get us to the train station in time...It was time for the absolute last boat that would get us there in time and i was freaking out over my passport. i didn't remember packing it and i was frantically looking for it in my bags as the boat we needed to catch came...Of course, as soon as i located it in my big bag, after looking over my small bag two, maybe even 3 or 4 times, the boat took off....i couldn't believe it! Neither could Mo or CMurda- as neither of them will let me live this one down. i sprinted back to the hotel and luckily got a taxi boat that was right there. We sprinted to the train after the taxi dropped us off and made it just in time- after CMurda lost us in the train station b/c she's a little slow....Mo turned and yelled at her to get on the wrong car in case the train started to take off....after we all made it to our seats, sweating and laughing over the whole ordeal, the train conductor got on the intercom and said the train was delayed- this only added insult to injury and we could only laugh more about the whole situation.....ay yay yay....

We got to Florence and went to the Duomo Chapel.....it's the highest point of the city with a breathtaking view for miles. To get there- there's no elevator either- you have to climb the stairs- winding staircases and dizzy headedness the whole way up!!! CMurda only made it about half way before she was too exhausted and had to back out... "man down!" Mo kept repeating on our journey up....

After taking in the view, we waited in line, in the rain to get into l'Accadamia Museum, which featured Michaelangelo's David. No photography was allowed, but i managed to sneak this one shot!

We had a pasta dinner and enjoyed gelato (peanut butter and chocolate) while exploring the rest of the city...i got my first taste of a real italian city! it was nuts- not what i expected of Florence at all!!! I thought it would be an artsy, lo-key place as it is the birthplace of the renaissance- but it's definitely a big metropolis as well!

We ended the day at an Irish pub (CMurda's favorites) called Friend's Pub....they had great munchies...imagine a Japanese-run, Irish Pub in Florence, Italy---Globalization huh!!! 2008- love this world we live in.

Check out the pics!

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Photos

Florence-Near the Arno River
Me and Mo

Florence-Climbing the stairs of the Duomo
CMurda, Mo, and Me.

Florence-almost to the top!!
Climbing the Duomo-view from a little window-hole

Florence-Atop the Duomo 5
Me and Momo on top of the Duomo!

Florence-Outside the duomo
Me and Mo

Florence-Michaelangelo's David
Wow- enough said- i have to admit- i had no idea how big it was!!! breathtaking!

Florence-Streets of Florence
Me and Mo- Duomo in background

Florence-Gelato Time!
Me, CMurda, and Mo enjoying our Peanut Butter/Chocolate dessert!

Comments

[Lois Baxter]

Do it All!!!
Very exciting! You look like you are truly experiencing Europe.

[Pete Myers]

Italy!
Hey Patrick, what a great site! Thanks for putting this out there, it's so fun to travel along with you. It looks like things are good so far-- and what's a trip without some major drama like not finding your passport and barely making the train??!! Who are the two women with you? I backpacked through 15 European countries back in 1999 when I was 25 and had the time of my life-- I'm sure you are going to as well! Enjoy your trip and I'm looking forward to living through your experience! Pete

[Polish Stallion]

miss you big P!
hey dude, i just got my lazy ass on your blog. i miss you dude! we had nice weather in SF this past weekend, and i played bb/tennis with dave. i can't wait to whoop you when you get back! matt