Firenze

The next day, despite our lack of planning in advance, we managed to book a nice hotel room not too far from the heart of Florence. And after a very long morning of travel we were quite happy to reach our room.

That afternoon Mandi and I headed out to get a feel for the city. We soon found ourselves along the Fiume Arno where spotted someone really making the most of the lovely, cool afternoon.

Part of the reason our traveling that morning was so tiring, was because of the strike that day. Only the earliest trains were running, and by the time we arrived in Florence all the busses had stopped. Fortunately, after a bit of walking, we found a taxi driver who managed to navigate her way to our hotel. Pictured here are some demonstrators.

The next day (and with a fresh pair of shoes for Mandi) we were able to see some more sites. This is the Palazzo Vecchio. Just to the right of the door way, the David can be seen. Though this one is a copy, the real David is kept indoors.

This is Cosimo with the Palazzo towering above.

Here is another shot of the Palazzo Vecchio and along with Cosimo.

Mandi posing (and resting) in the stairway ascending the Duomo. I highly recommend this climb up the 463 steps (according to the book) to the top of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore's giant dome. Besides the exercise, the view was superb.

After the many, many steps and narrow corridors we were rewarded by these sights.

The square just below us.

Mandi staying close to the walls.

Steve still resting from the climb up.

Mandi and I were digging the yellow houses.

Far off on the hills above Florence we could make out San Miniato.


Aviano

The next day Mandi and I took an early train over to visit our friend stationed at an Air Base about 45 minutes north of Venice. This shot is of Jason's pad. A nice place, though without having cleaned ahead of time we were not allowed to visit more than the entrance/TV room.

Jason and Mandi in the foothills of the Alps with Aviano in the background. I would have liked to get some more shots of the base, but the guards carrying large weapons convinced us not to bend the no camera rule.

We found this falling rock sign hilarious, and had to get a picture with it.

Back to Rome by Day. On to A Few Hours in Venice.