Genoa with a Dash of Florence
Posted by Jackie , 08 November 2010 4:25 PM
I had a much better second day in Genoa, starting off with a delicious croissant filled with Nutella. It was a day filled with narrow alleyways and hidden gems. One of these was a two story tall fountain hidden within the entrance way of a museum. I went into another church, but I was wearing a skirt that showed my knees and this nun in the entryway glared at me in a very severe tone of voice. I decided it wasn't worth it to cause an uproar for a few photos and left quickly. I found a restaurant for dinner at 5:45, but since they didn't open until 7 I was forced to occupy myself with some gelato. I know, dessert before dinner and all...but it was delicious! Anyways, for dinner I had a linguine-esque pasta in pesto sauce and it was incredible; simply divine. Afterwards, I meandered back to my hotel and watched a movie on my iTunes before bed.
Up at 7, I caught a 9:00 train from Genoa to Florence. I arrived around 12:30 and found my hotel shortly thereafter. To my great delight, my room is on the fifth floor of my hotel and has a view of the Duomo. The DUOMO! Imagine my delight, I was so excited that I couldn't stay in my room long. I (basically) ran out to the street and, all of a sudden, found myself in front of the Duomo. I seriously couldn't believe it. The church is beautiful, in a mix of blackish-green, pale red, and white stone; the detail is exquisite. I walked around and then inside for a bit before heading to the south of town. I got a pizza and ate it in a plaza surrounded by statues (I still can't believe I'm actually in Florence). The rest of the afternoon went by in a blur of hill top views from Piazzale Michelangelo, gelato (I can't get enough of this stuff!), and a million and a half leather vendors. I bought myself a purse, but the perfect leather jacket proved elusive. Dinner was a fun affair as well, with ravioli, a traditional T-bone steak second course, and some local dessert recommended by my waiter.
Now I'm off to bed. I plan on getting in line for the Accademia tomorrow morning to see David. I'm also going to the Uffizi hotel in the afternoon on a guided tour and plan on doing some more shopping in between : ) I'll update later.
