the cathedral in pajamas

(via maleficents)

Firenze

Our last day in Florence...

Here is the hotel from the movie "A Room With A View".

When we asked if they had any availability we were told they are booked until September!

YOWSA!

Luckily a fancy hotel isn't necessary to find a great view in Florence...

The Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)

The Fountain of Neptune in Piazza della Signoria which was commissioned on the occasion of the wedding of Francesco I de' Medici to grand duchess Johanna of Austria in 1565.

The Arno River flowing beneath the bridges of Florence:

Outside of the Duomo

Also known as the Cathedral in Pajamas because of its colorful gothic revival facade added in the 1800s.

Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower)

One of Charlie's favorite sculptures, Benvenuto Cellini's, "Perseus With the Head of Medusa"

And finally a $30 t-shirt that Charlie decided to pose with in lieu of purchasing.

Florence

We made it to our hotel in Florence despite a bus strike

that occured earlier today and caused crazy delays at the train station.

But one of the things italians are known for, i think, are their strikes.

It just wouldn't have been authentic Italy without some form of strike occuring.

The Gelato is fabulous, the blackberry variety is pictured above.

We found a few marble statues in a square.

Charlie made friends with Americo who is credited for mapping the Americas.

Hopefully we can find the original David somewhere in the city.

Tomorrow we're going to take a quick day trip to Pisa

to see the tower.

Now it's time for a quick rest before another busy day starts.

WHEW!