Arrival in Florence

David stands 17 feet tall, calm and confident.

Goliath was no match for his strength and focus.

John the Baptist's reproach of King Herod--Giuseppe Fattori, 19th cent.

We took the morning train from Cortona to Florence, and arrived just before noon to check in to our apartment on the city's northeast perimeter. In the afternoon we set out for the Galleria del Accademia to view Michelangelo's David, as well as other sculptures, paintings and instruments.










Violin by Antonio Stradivari, 1716.

The nave of St. Mark's, decorated for the opera.

We completed our visit and returned to our apartment to freshen up for the evening. Several months ago, we reserved tickets for our first opera performance as a family. Opera in Italy is not cheap. This reasonably priced production of Gaetano Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore was hosted by St. Mark's Anglican Church.

We were seated in the second row of the nave, and the performers were outstanding! WOW! The lead performers each have distinguished academic and performance credentials, having been trained in Europe's finest academies and having sung all around the world. The singing was absolutely spectacular. 


Seats in the 2nd row!!!

After a long day (and night) we began trekking toward our apartment on the opposite end of the city, and eventually found a vacant taxi to aid us on our way.

Lights reflecting in the Arno River on our walk back toward the apartment.