July 4, 2011--firenze

 Today was a free day for us in Florence.  We were all tired and slept in to 10am (me) and noon (the kids) before venturing out.  We walked around the park within the hotel and were blessed once again with perfect weather.  The first picture is me with the computer---Vicki believes it is physically linked to me.

We finally got up and into the park within the hotel to look around.

Then we made our way to Pizzaiouli and had a great lunch with pizza Napoli style.  Not too far from our hotel and recommended by our driver who was Florentine.  We were surrounded by Italians, which is always a good sign.  Quite inexpensive for the quality.  

After this, we made our way toward the Ponte Vecchio, since the ladies wanted to do some shopping.  Saw some interesting shops along the way.

After this we headed toward the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno for some shopping and pictures.

Nice picture with the Arno as a backdrop

A typical crowded street in the Ponte Vecchio

We shopped for some gloves and handbags and Vicki found a necklace she liked.  Amanda found some nice earrings and they both found a scarf.  On the way back, we passed by some art students near the Uffizi...perhaps Melissa next spring?

 

Had another great dinner surrounded by Italians at Il Guscio.   We had a delicious vegetable appetizer, a ravioli with porcini and scarzone first course, and then the girls had a version of steak florentine while I had a white fish in parchment.  It was accompanied by a Brunello di Montalcino stella di campalto 2005--their prices were the best I have seen in italy, so we splurged on a good bottle.  It was forward, fruity, with a long finish...much different from the backward, unfiltered Conterno's I had 10-15 years ago.  A great experience all around.