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OCT 17: Port of Livorno, Italy - Florence & Tuscany
Thankfully we didn't have to wake up as early as in previous days, as the ship docked at Livorno, Italy at 8 am today, instead of 7 am as in the day before. We left the ship and met the day's tour guide, and got onto the bus that drove us from the seaport to Florence. It was quite a long drive and I dearly wanted to nap but I forced myself to stay awake and take in the scenery around. We arrived in Florence and thankfully, my sister Karen had been there a couple of times before so she could tell us exactly where to go.
Florence was as old and full of character as I had expected. We started at the Piazza della Signoria, the town's central square, where the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), the world-famous Uffizi Gallery and the Santa Croce Church are located. It's an amazing place, especially when you consider that the buildings are really old - the Santa Croce church for example, was built in the 13th century, almost 800 years ago! It is famous for the Giotto frescoes and also for the tombs of some of Florence's and Italy's most famous sons - Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florence
The Palazzo Vecchio
The Santa Croce Church where Michelangelo, Galilieo and Machiavelli are buried. Artists sit outside, painting and selling their works.
Posing by one of the many statues in the square
Being grabbed by one of the human statues
After admiring the history and architecture, it was time to get to the shops. Florence is the second and final stop in Italy for this cruise, and loving Italian designers like I do, I had to see what other clothing I could get. Singapore may have Dolce and Gabbana and Prada boutiques but they carry a truly pitiful selection and the prices are much higher so it only makes sense for me to buy while in Italy. We walked across the town and along the banks of the Arno River, and had lunch at a restaurant that was recommended by our tour guide earlier. We had hearty Italian fare with the famous Brunello wine of the region, and were fortified for our shopping. There were obviously not as many shops in Florence as there were in Rome, so we didn't spend a lot of time shopping. I did buy the "Kerouac" leather jacket from Tod's though, as my old jacket (purchased back in 1999) was quite worn out and I need one for when I travel to a cooler climate.
We gathered back at the Piazza and went back on the bus, which then took us on a drive through the Tuscan countryside. It had been a long-held dream of mine to see Tuscany, and although this was through the windows of a bus, it was still satisfying. The rolling hills and farmlands were beautiful. I would love to go back again and see it up-close and drive myself through the country roads and visit the farms and vineyards.