After spending time walking in the mountains by the sea, Florence seems like a big noisy city. It isn't really too big and it has many redeeming features. It has many wonderful galleries but the ones I enjoyed the most were the Uffizi and the Accademia There I was able to see paintings I have used in my teaching and get ideas for new lessons. Paintings are almost always better in real life.
We have also done some exploring of the city both on foot and bus. Looking at the amazing architectural inheritance left by previous generations. So many famous artists have lived and worked in Florence.
We have done a few excursions outside the city also as we were here for 8 nights.
Assisi for the day seems extravagant but hey, we have a pass that we need to use. Sunday was a gorgeous sunny day when we set off for Assisi on the train.
We decided to do a day tour of Sienna, San Gimignano, and the Chianti wine region as it was difficult to negotiate with the train in a day. we had a great day although it was a bit a of a taster only as we went from one thing to another a little quickly- except for the slow bit when the other people walked too slowly or the guide talked a little too long!
Cooking class! Yes Geoff agreed to do the class for the day. It included market shopping then made delicious fettuccini and ravioli. Yum and so easy. Just a little time consuming. tomorrow is Lucca for the day, then we are off to Rome.