Day 8, Florence
Spent last night in a hotel here in Florence; tonight, however, am in Hostello Archi Rossi. Saw a lot today - took hop-on, hop-off bus that tours you around the city. Saw the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, and the only one spared by Hitler. Lots of gold shops there now; and one man, in a tux, playing the flute beautifully for money, as they do in subway stations. What's that called again? Bussing?
Saw the David at Museo d'Accademia. Such an unassuming place for the treasures it holds! David was...immense. Detailed. Amazing. Michangelo was 29 when he finished. The detail really amazed me - bones, muscles, tension in arms and legs...And so tall! Didn't realize it was David of David & Goliath; that's a slingshot he's holding. Went yesterday to a neat da Vinci museum. Had models, some interactive, of his creations. Pulleys and cranes and water wheels and ball bearings - a lot more than I knew him for. Also saw mummification exhibit - in a church! Not quite sure why, but I went! They used to take brains out through nostrils with curved tools. Also poured walnut oil (I think) into anus and capped it, then later let fluids, organs drain out through hole. Nasty! What else have I done...found church right away (basilica di san lorenzo). Did not climb 463 steps into dome that was painted by Michaneglo, but was tempted.
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