Ciao!
Today is the 28th September, and I have just arrived in La Spezia.
After I last wrote, we arrived in Florence and had some time to freshen up at our hotel, Hotel Donatello, before heading out to explore the city. First, we visited the Duomo, which was just as magnificent as I remembered it. We then went to the Disney Store, where I bought a special present for my sister. Next, we headed on to Ponte Vecchio, before returning home. For dinner, we went to Osteria dei Baroncelli, where we ate fusilli pasta with tomato sauce and olives, roast pork and vegetables, and fruit salad. Mrs L thought I was having peach ice tea withdrawals because I ordered a lemonade! It was very funny! We then returned back to our hotel after a big day of walking.
Sunday began with breakfast at the hotel: fake-Nutella croissants, bread with ham and cheese, yogurt, and a cappuccino. Once we were ready, we met our guide outside the Uffizi Galleru for a [half] day of art and sculpture! In the gallery, I saw many ancient Roman statues, including those of Poppaea and Nero. There were three interpretations of the Madonna with child done by three different medieval artists, and one could compare the artistic styles and the levels of realism. One of these paintings was considered to be the most modern and advanced in its techniques for its time (around the 10th-12th century). We saw the Tribune Room: an octagonal room with walls encrusted with seashells and covered in ornate decorations. We also saw Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Spring paintings, as well as two early works by Leonardo da Vinci. We also had the opportunity to see a number of paintings by Michelangelo, amongst many other famous Italian Renaissance artists. The most unusual piece we saw was a painting by a woman of two women cutting off a man's head; it turns out that the artist had been rather violently raped, so she used the religious subject to overcome her terrible experience. We also saw a few of Caravaggio's paintings, and another painting that was hated by the Church as the artist had given the baby Jesus some rather devilish-looking eyes. We then exited the Gallery and walked for about 15 minutes to the Accademia, where we saw Michelangelo's Unfinished Slaves and David. It was quite surreal to see so many famous artworks in real life! After our tour finished, we walked back to the Gallery, where I met my host family. We then went to lunch, where I had pesto pasta and an espresso. Whilst we were there, they gave me a small diary made of Florentine paper and Stella insisted on doing my hair. Then, we went to explore the Ponte Vecchio and I got some gelato. Eventually, we said goodbye and they repeated the common Italian saying, "After two, there's always three," hoping that I'd come back again. It was very cute! Next, my tour group and I returned to the Duomo to see the inside. It was rather amusing, as some girls had to put on sarongs, as their shorts were too short. Whilst we were there, I decided to light a candle. Afterwards, we went outside to film another segment of Danzare before going to Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, where we saw the spot where Hans Christian Anderson supposedly wrote The Three Little Pigs and did some shopping. Eventually, we returned to the hotel to prepare for dinner. At the restaurant, we ate penne with ragú sauce, [super salty] pork with salad, and crème caramel. We also had chocolate and fruit cakes to celebrate Valentina'a 16th birthday. We then returned to the hotel, taking one last glimpse at Florence's art before having to say goodbye the next morning.
This morning began with breakfast as usual: Nocita (fake Nutella) croissants, bread with ham and cheese, strawberry yogurt, and a cappuccino. We then packed our bags and headed to Lucca. When we arrived, we saw the old medieval walls to the city, and went into a beautiful church where I lit another candle. We then saw the Lucca cathedral before exploring the markets. Next, we went to a pizzeria for lunch, where I ordered a peach ice tea and Cotto e Funghi - pizza with baked ham and mushrooms. We then went to a gelateria, where I had Amareno (cherry), Lampone (raspberry), and Nutella gelato. It was delicious! We then boarded the bus and headed to Pisa. There, we posed in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in as many ways as possible! Holding the tower up, pushing it down, hugging it... We also saw the Cathedral and the Baptistery, and admired the tower's lean up close. We then walked through the streets of Pisa and sis some shopping before hopping back onto the bus and on to La Spezia. Along the way, I saw some mountains where they must quarry marble, and I saw a gorgeous sunset over the Ligurian Sea. When we arrived in La Spezia, we went straight to our hotel rooms, where I am now.
All in all, Florence was absolutely gorgeous, and it was so much fun! I loved seeing all the Renaissance artworks - especially Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Michelangelo's David!
I am really excited to see Cinque Terre tomorrow, so - until next time - ciao! :)