Day 56 Firenze

Wednesday January, 30th.

Museo de Academia – the home of Michelangelo's David. I spent a very long time just viewing the sculpture – it was quite impressive as you round the corner and see it displayed in a room especially built for it. I can see why it is considered such a masterpiece. Last night I downloaded a free audio-guide about David which we all listen to. Aria sketches the statue. I am stuck by so many details

Scale is hard to comprehend – it is nearly 4 meters 4 meters tall. Some pieces of the work are not in scale – the feet the hands, the head – yet somehow it works.

I am able to study the details of the sling still not sure if there is a rock in one of his hands. I did not realize the sling spanned from his hand across his shoulder. Certainly understandable why this was immediately heralded as a masterpiece.

There are many other religious paintings and a hall full of plaster copies of many statues. I think paintings and sculpture are my 2 favorite forms of art.

We then we hit the train station – debating whether to head to Croatia via Ancona, Venice or somewhere else. We decided to take a day trip to Pisa tomorrow and then decide on our next destination.

We had a good long lunch.

Walked back to the Hotel by the Arno – considered hitting the Boboli Gardens but were quite tired.

Allysha and Pam went to the Santa Croce church right outside our Hotel.

It starts to rain and I believe the temperature has dropped – for the first time I am not perfectly comfortable in just a sweatshirt.

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