I arrived in Florence Monday afternoon to greet my now international savvy Mother! I was thrilled to see her and it makes me miss everyone at home even more...we began we a walk to the Duomo, the focal point in Florence. We also stood in front of the beautiful gold doors, known as the "Gates of Paradise" which depict scenes from the Bible. Then we headed for dinner, pasta and wine which was quite satisfying.
On Tuesday, mom and I meant up with Tiziana, Flaminia, and Mikey, my wonderful and fun Italian friends. Mikey told us a lot of history as we walked along the Italian streets seeing towers, beautiful buildings and churches. We walked along Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge which was the only one spared in WW2 by the Germans. This bridge is often photographed as it has bulidings (now mostly jewerly shops, previously homes) along the bridge. We also drove to the hills above Florence for a view of the expansive beautiful city. We visited St. Michael church, where we learned most churches are divided into 3 sections, which separates worshipers. This old tradition allowed one section for men, women, and the church diety could in the middle. Flaminia said this was to help the men stay focused during services! This church is unique because it is only divided in 2 sections.
On our third day in Florence, mom and I started at Santa Croce. We planned to spend the afternoon at the museum which holds many, many famous works however Santa Croce kept us enthralled for most of the day. Not only does this church hold famous remains of individuals but many works of beauty. The remains of Gaileo (his body was transferred 2 centuries later to this final resting place as the church dismissed his findings out of fear), the author of the famous book The Prince, and Michaelangeo are all buired here. The actual church was established in the St. Francescan order in honor of St Francis of Assisi. The once humble church through the years has grown in splender, perhaps in my opinion more elaborate than this nature loving saint would have preferred in his lifetime. The vows of the Francescan order are poverty, obediance, and chastity. There was a lovely, humble altar in memory of this saint. The church was amazing, complete with an original and beautiful pulpit with gold detail. Also Donatello's Annuciation is held in this church.
The food and atmostphere in Florence was wonderful, we could have easily spent more time exploring this art city. We shopped a little here too, I bought my first pair of white leather loafers. Mom bought a first, but I will wait to share...
Today in Roma, we began at the Vactican. We climbed the 537 steps to the top of St. Peter's Basilica. This offered a complete view of Roma from atop. Also from this point, you can see the detail of the priceless art, breathtaking mosaics of angels, shields, keys (for those pearly gates), and flowers. As we left the cupola, (this time using the elevator) and entered the church, organ music sounded its way making the beautiful house of worship even more lovely. We will return probably tomorrow as we did not have enough time to learn all we want to about this church and its history and meanings.
Saying goodbye to my Italian summer and the Materossi family was both difficult and exciting. Difficult because I know I will never experience a time like this again and I love Caterina! Exciting because I am ready to see everyone I love. Ciao for now! Natalie