September 19th - Last day in Florence

A delicious breakfast at our hotel, then to the Duomo in the rain. Long line to get in, but well worth it. We paid to climb to the top and are so glad we did...spectacular views of Florence! Then to the market to get more silk ties and some notecards. After a great lunch at Canto De' Nelli (we split bruscetti, pizza and a sandwich), we crossed Ponte Vecchio and went to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. It was drizzly, but still beautiful! The land was quite expansive, very romantic, with beautiful views all around Florence. We went through a few museums on the premises...our favorite being the science and jewelry museums. Back for showers and laundry, then checking maps, confirming Rome tickets, checking the weather, train times, etc. online. Our last dinner in Florence was at a fabulous local favorite called Tratoria Da Roberto. As usual we split several things...the caprese salad, pasta with boar sauce and steak with a wonderful mushroom sauce. We called the Oliphants and got to talk with Jackson and Ireland. What a treat to hear that they're having fun, Jackson is being obedient, and we got to hear him repeatedly say, "Mamadadaitaly!" which was just precious!

Inside the duomo

This picture hardly does it justice!

The Duomo!

View from the climb up the tower

beautiful Florence!

the mosaic detail inside was incredible

taking a break!

view from the top!

Florence!

This indoor market was a welcome reprieve from the rain!

Dominoes anyone?

Chris & his new friend!

Boboli Gardens

View of the Duomo from Boboli Gardens

Chris outside the Pitti Palace

My new friend!

Lots of them!

A really cool, old tree!

There were a million (close anyways!) fountains