BAC Green Roads Of Tuscany 2009

Please visit today's slideshow.

Finish Line at the Duomo

I got another long sleep last night and things were working my way today. My croissant was filled with chocolate, the coffee was strong and the muesli had a lot of flavor. In addition, I had a good internet connection to do all the things I needed to get done. Finally, as I checked out of the hotel, I chatted with an American couple discussing where we were going today. They were headed to the same hotel that I was to meet a hiking group. So we shared a taxi and I didn’t have to lug my bags across town.

When I got to Hotel Silla it was mid-morning and my room wasn’t ready. I stashed my bags, crossed the Arno and started wandering. The first thing I saw was a bunch of runners with numbers on them running in marked-off lanes being marshaled by the local carabinieri. They were running in the Florence marathon and family run. I’m not sure if it was an official marathon because most of the runners did not look fit enough. (It wasn't a marathon. I Googled it). In any case, the finish line was right next to the Duomo. What an inspiring end to a run!

This was a photo-op day so I took several photos of street scenes.

I sort of re-traced my steps from yesterday on parallel streets up to the Accademia to find a special gelatoria. It had granite as well as gelato. I had coffee granite – my mid-morning coffee break.

I turned around and walked to the Piazza della Republica where there were lots of people. A drum corps was marching down the street dressed in old Florentine costumes. I walked past the Piazza S Lorenzo and the Mercato Nuovo where artists were drawing replicas of masterworks with chalk.

As an interest to my daughter, Suellen who just bought an electric scooter, I went past a charging station for electric cars and scooters.

Then it was on to Osteria del Porcellino where I had flat noodles with cinghiali sauce. It was tasty and filling.

My appointment at the Uffizi was at 1:30, but they let me in a little early. I used my iPhone to listen to Rick Steves’ audio tour. It was very well done. I also liked it because it hit the highlights of the gallery so I didn’t spend a lot of time with the lesser paintings. Some of the rooms were closed. I didn’t get to see the Adam and Eve or the Martin Luther paintings.

Back Street Photo Op

Once I was done with the Uffizi, I headed back to Hotel Silla and checked into my room. This is a three-star hotel so the rooms are pretty nice. My room is right next to the terrace. I have to close my window when I leave or else someone could climb through it from the terrace into my room.

I met several people on our ride. Most of them arrived today. At the Leevers' suggestion, a bunch of us went to the Osteria del Cinghiale for dinner. I ordered chicken with roasted potatoes and a mixed salad. Most of the chicken was overcooked.

On the way back to the hotel the sun was setting. I got a good photo of the sky behind the Ponte Vecchio.