Florence: Day Two (and night) PHOTOS

We went to see David (of which there are of course, no pictures. No picture taking was allowed in the entire museum--which included a museum of musical instruments) and Il Duomo (my favorite building in all the world), and Piazzale Michelangiolo at the top of a BIG HILL.

From Here 1 Hour! written on the wall of a building. I saw it while I was in the long line to see David. The wall was covered in writing like this. People get bored waiting to get in, I guess. But the line was only 15 minutes.


Guy painting il duomo as we stood in line to see David.


Saw this book in the gift shop and it made me laugh.


Il duomo in daylight. Well...except for the part that is in shadow.


Here's another view of it. Just look at the spectacular gorgeousness!



The front. The main door to get in. I remember this form the last time I was in Florence in ummer 2004 with People to People Student Ambassador Program.

Close up of right above the front door.

And to the right. That tall tower is a bell tower. To be more specific, it is Giotto's Bell Tower (I'm glad I kept my map of Florence!)


Me at the front door. YAY. Don't I look so thrilled? That's because I was.

The doooooors!

This is the baptistry of San Giovanni. Or rather, the doors of the baptistry. I also remember this from my P2P trip. Behind me as I take this picture is il Duomo

Inside il Duomo. Not as impressive or cool as the outside. But still really neat.

Above the door (on the inside) of il Duomo. Notice that it is a 24 hour clock! Cool!

Stained glass in the church.

Me lighting a candle in il Duomo.



Looking up at the dome.

Kristen getting holy water. Except that, "for heath reasons there is no water."

Four sleepy girls in il duomo.

And the outside of il Duomo again as we left.

Florence graffiti. (I agree, Flrence is way better!)

Fountain with a statue. And a building in the background. (aren't I so observant. I'd make a great tour guide! ;P)

The problem with wandering around on your own withut a native or a tourguide: you don't know what things are. So this is just a cool building.

OK, so it's not "just" a cool building. This is a cool building with a copy of David in front of it.

The copy of David.

We took pictures of this bridge for 10 minutes last night. Or rather, everyone but me did. I had no idea why everyone was so interested in the bridge and my camera takes bad pictures at night, so I didn't take any. And then We got closer and suddenly/ "Oh my god, there's STUFF on that bridge!" And everyone burst out laughing. "Yeah. Why do you think we were taking pictures of it?" Mistress of the Obvious strikes again.

Another picture of the cool stuff bridge. There are stores built on the bridge. Mostly jewelry stores. It is beautiful at night and I will try to find a picture of it from my friends on Facebook and put it on here. Everything glitters spectacularly; it is awesome.

Boat.

Flags. I got that picture in one take. The wind just decided to blow at the right time!


Then we walked up the hill to see the view of Florence. AKA Piazzale Michelangiolo:

The STAIRS. I didn't count, but the family that was there at the same time we were counted over 200. It is very steep. And you walk up a hill before you even get to the stairs.

The Italy Girls on the stairs. (if the picture was oriented correctly) Jen is on the far left, Kristen, chelsea (in pink); and on the right is Laura.

Chelsea took this picture of us. I'm at the back now, but I got to the top first! And thus was first in line for gelati!

mmmmmm gelati!

Wonderful view of the city. It was so beautiful we stayed up there for hours. You can tell from the pictures because of the lighting.

Il Duomo taken from Piazzale Michelangiolo. Come on, don't tell me you weren't expecting another photo of it! I did say it was my favorite building, after all. ;P

Girl sitting on the steps drawing the dome. Not the steps we walked up. Once you get to the top, you turn left. And Voila! OOOHHHH AHHHH! Gorgeous view.


Following the little girl's example, Kristen and I drew pictures of the dome! I'm quite proud of my drawing. Kristen's is better, but that's OK. Mine is still good--better than I thought it would come out. Another Contest picture, I think.

Fleur de lis bench.

Me on the fleur de lis bench.

We saw a Japanese couple's wedding pictures. So we decided that we were going to buy wedding dresses and travel around Europe wearing it so that we can have wedding pictures from all over.

It was so romantic and beautiful that I wished that I was getting married so I could have pictures like that Right then and there.

Aren't they sweet?


Sunset on the hill.


Laura and I in sepia on the hill.


One of my favorite pictures. Taken By Jenny.

Kristen, Chelsea, and I passed this restaurant. A very expensive restaurant at which we did NOT eat. They were at the Piazzale with the wonderful view, so it's no surprise. Know what else is expensive: peeing. You have to pay to pee. (You even get recipts.) I heartily disapprove!


Here's a close up of the wine. How about that, Burce?

Sunset at Piazzale Michelangiolo.

View of Florence at sunset from the Piazzale.



Back in the hostel. In the basement where people eat. The bar is behind us at the end of the table. behind the photographer is the breakfast buffet.


Me again at the table.
I am a ghost!


So, do you think I took enough pictures? No? Well, too bad, that's all for this day!