Longest day of my life

Today I continued on as tour guide, with quite an easier schedule of sites for my pupils. First we went to Academia to see the museum and of course the David. I hadn’t been here yet, and I literally could not believe how amazing he was. My Rick Steve’s book was 100% right when it said that even if you go in with high expectations, the David will exceed it. I’ve seen a tonnn of statues over my life thus far, but none compared (although I still do love Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne). It was so beautiful and huge—I mean it is 17 feet tall and on top of a pedestal.


After we continued around the rest of the museum, which actually had other nicer sculptures than I had anticipated, then headed to grab lunch. Once we were fed and feet slightly rested, we went to the Bargello (which I can finally pronounce now), to continue on with the sculpture theme of the day.

Sculpture that is on all the Bargello's posters 

We ended our sightseeing there and I continued onto class as the girls hit the leather market again. In class we took a bus to Cochine park. It was actually super close, but I had no idea it even existed! I was in awe that there was actually some free space in this city! The park was in no means that great, but just being away from crowds for an hour was nice.

Along the Arno river at Cochine Park-- so much more peaceful than in the heart of Florence

This dog was posing for me for a while, then started freaking out and barking lol

I met back up with the girls at my upstairs neighbors for dinner, round two (if you haven’t read previous blogs, I have an Italian and a chef from California upstairs that I have become friends with). I had planned to stay for dinner and then hit the sack early since I had arranged to meet up with two friends from photography class to watch sunrise at Palazzo Michelangelo… but after an amazing dinner and a few glasses of wine, it was quite apparent that our night was not ending there. It was a fun dinner, my Italian neighbor got out the guitar and busted out some great songs. From there we went to a little bar called Blob that we had been to before, where he played some more since it was open mic night. I figured I mine as well just stay out late and not go to sleep since I needed to meet up with my friends at 5 am anyway… I mean I’m only young once!  We continued onto Twice, my ‘favorite’ club (even though I’m really not a fan of the clubs here) and went home around 4am, just enough time to eat, change and chug coffee!

I met up with my friends and we walked to Palazzo Michelangelo, which is located on top of a hill overlooking all of Florence. I haven’t been there for sunset yet, but apparently it’s packed every night with teens and young lovers with wine. At 5am though, it was empty except for my friends and I. It was a beautiful sunrise even though parts of it were clouded. Nonetheless, it was gorgeous and peaceful. I couldn’t believe how bright and golden the light was as it peaked out from behind the clouds. After being there for two hours, we headed to the Duomo for 7:30 am mass, but were told we couldn’t come in with our cameras. Sad, don’t think I’m ever going to be awake to do that again this trip—but do I get points for trying at least?

Duomo at 5am, a little blurry though! 

Sun beginning to peak out behind the clouds

Almost up! 

Just as the sun had almost risen, a cloud floated on in again 

Two of the people I was at the Palazzo with-- the sky got soo bright once the sun was up

Morning light on the city!

Everything looked so peaceful with the golden sun on it

The third famous David-- nothing compared to the real thing 

My two friends from photography class! Love how they are almost completely silhouetted  

Gotta love this picture-- soo happy 

Yayy made it through the whole sunrise still awake!

Back at the apartment I fell into an amazing 3-hour nap, then headed off to meet up with the girls at 1pm… unfortunately they didn’t make it and don’t have phones to call me. It was fine though, I just went to school and worked on stuff before class.

After class I did odds and ends around the house and then went out with all my roommates— how I am alive and functioning, I have no idea! We went to new place, called the Fish Pub, which we all actually ended up really liking! There weren’t too many creepy men and had cheep drink specials. We then met up with a bunch of other girls and went to Red Garter for a bit and then stopped at the secret bakery on our way home. I got a nutella croissant—not that I am suppose to have that because of the dairy, but soo worth it!

All of my roommates and I at Fish Pub