Chris & Kelly's Travel Adventures

Many of you have asked us about how we are managing our days of tourism.  While these have differed depending on where we were staying (hotel vs. rental apartment) or what "firm" ticketed plans were pre-scheduled... we are starting to find our rhythm.   In general we split our days in 1/2 and guage each day on our physical energy.  We plan our most athletic events first thing in the morning from say 9 am - 1:00 pm.  Then return to our lodging for lunch/shower/nap.  Go out again about 4 pm for another couple of hours.  Between 6-8 pm we do blogs, journaling, laundry, play catch up on finances and plan things for the next day.  Dinner is usually out, and starts after 8 pm.  After dinner is usually a walk around a square or monument (this called a passiagata) where everyone greets friends and family.  Then its bed for these 2 old folks :)  Today was no exception.  Chris had a ticket to climb the cupola (Brunellesci's dome) of Santa Maria del Fiori.  It took about an hour for him to climb the 486 steps that spiral around the dome.    He said the architectural feat was amazing.

After that we visited the museum associated with the church.  These usually hold some amazing and very important works of art.  This particular one is the home of Donatello's Mary Magdelene, made of wood this was quite impressive up close.   Florence is not only home to the Renaissance art movement, but equally the time of the powerful Medici family.  As in many forms of religion...power/politics/money/religion hold hands.  Unlike any church named after St. Francis (who lived a simple life of poverty), the Medici sponsored churches are a show of almost lavish grandeur. 

These relief panels were very interesting as the told the progression of man, including agriculture-science-medicine-art-music-law-logic.

A royal septor of one of the Medici in the classic Florentine Fleur de Lis shape.

This last photo was taken in the 15th century Riccardi Medici Palace.  The room that impressed us the most is a room about 100 ft. long with vibrant frescoed ceiling for the entire length of the room!  In between historical stops I've been shopping for small gifts and having a grand time!  

A big shout out to the little wine shop/restaurant "Coquinarius".  I originally found this place as a treat dinner to have with Jeanette & Julieth during their adventures...don't forget to add this restaurant to your travel list for your future adventures.  We had a great waiter who was a terrific sommelier and spent tons of time explaining the history and origin of each wine he recommended.  We started with smoked goose breast with carmelized onion and balsamic, then burrata filled ravioli with pistachio pesto, then slow cooked beef cheek with canellini beans w/gravy (so good we ate it, then realized we forgot to take a picture...sorry), then flourless dark chocolate cake...can't forget the espresso! :). Night Night all.