Pioneer Children Sang as They Walked and Walked and Walked.....

It was nice to have a bit of a late start today. We walked over to the Duomo around 9:30 and met our guide Elsa. She knew a lot but had a heavy Italian accent so was difficult to understand.  She took us around the square and then in to the Duomo. It is a stunning place, the third largest cathedral in Europe. We then walked to the Republica square, boar's head market and up to the Santa Croce church. We got to watch a leather demonstration and learned that the way to tell true leather is difficult and not to trust the sellers in the streets selling cheap.

Now that they had knowledge the kids were turned loose on the city. A bunch climbed the dome of the cathedral and/or the bell tower. Some walked along the river and watched the artists. Some enjoyed the Galileo museum of science. Most found a great place for lunch and loved bartering in the markets for presents for mom. Florence is a great place because all the touristy things are in the old city which is a walking center. However, when you have 4 hours of free time that can translate to a lot of walking.

We met for a good dinner then headed up to the Piazza Michelangelo where there is a bronze copy of the David and a spectacular view of the city. We timed it just right and got a spectacular sunset in the bargain.