Birthday in Florence

Awoke very early on Tuesday morning to get to the train station in Arrezo in time to park, figure out the ticket machine - then confirm the ticket in another machine, find the track from which our train to Florence left and board the 840 train. Most of us were new to the experience, so we gave ourselves plenty of time. The process worked well...all 9 of us were ready to leave on time and, for the first time, we all packed into the van (or shall I say 'squeezed') so that we only had one car to park. The train ride was very pleasant - quiet, clean and comfortable train - one hour to Florence. We found our way out of the station and Joanie leading the way made our way to the Duomo and on to the Uffizi Gallery where we checked in with our reservation and purchased our 14 Eu tickets. Walked across the street to the line to enter (tickets are times and only a certain number of people enter at each time point). We got in quickly and then walked up 4 long flights of steps to the main gallery. The Renaissance art was amazing and a bit overwhelming. Art and I stopped (along with the guidance of Rick Steves' Florence and Tuscany book) at the highlighted works along with the crowds of students and other tourists. We stopped for on Americano and one Espresso cafes and enjoyed the views of Florence from the terrace and windows of the cafeteria. Then went down to level one which apparently the crowds don't know about. it was quiet, beautifully lit and the art lovely. We made our way through the gift shops to meet our friends at the 1 PM meeting time. They had found a little restaurant across the street from the gallery frequented by workmen. The food was very good with large portions and reasonable prices. After lunch we made our way along the Arno to the Ponte Vecchia Note: Pictures are not mine but so good that I thought I'd link them here...will post mine in a few days.

Did some window shopping in the Gold and Jewelry shops on the bridge at a vendor near the bridge so back we went. Made some great purchases and headed back to the Signoria Square which houses the David statue among others. Of course we had to have a Gelato before heading back to the station. We also met 2 Italian guys - one from Italy and one originally from Israel and had a delightful conversation with them. One pointed out that the building near us was once a chocolate factory and showed that it was decorated with Stars of David. Another small world experience.

Headed back to the train station, bought our tickets, retrieved the car and made it home without incidence - a first :) Several of the 'guys' went out to get dinner - 3 types of pasta, 3 types of salad, and 3 pizzas - do you see a pattern here? it was very good -along with the wine. I was surprised by a lovely birthday cake - made mostly of Chocolate Mousse, very rich and delicious and decorated with an interesting design on chocolate shavings, fruits and berries. No problem enjoying dessert, with left overs for our final dinner on Wednesday. All in all a lovely birthday on a sunny day in Florence followed by a wonderful dinner and surprise birthday cake. Life is good!