I seem to be losing track of the days but I have confirmed that it is in deed Tuesday. I started a little late this morning but I am still on vacation so I can sleep in a little if I want to. My plan of action today was to hit the Galleria dell Accademia and then go from there. I was derailed a little bit as I walked downtown, around the corner…..and directly into a student protest rally. Ah, how I love a good protest rally.
I hope you can all read this because this is the entire theme of the rally.
From the signs and the age of the protesters I gathered that they were protesting an increase in university tuitions. It turns out I was really close and they were protesting a law (133) that would see funding to public universities cut (thus increasing tuition). I practiced my Italian for a while and then eventually asked someone who was wearing a t-shirt with some English on it what was going on. Turns out his English was not that good but he was able to explain it to me. Very exciting to be around that again. Takes me back to my university days (man do I sound old when I say that). It turned out I actually wore the colours of the day (red and black) without even knowing it. I totally could have joined the rally…but I didn’t. It’s not my fight but I did stand by and watch them (with some envy) for a little while.
A few of those students and professors and bystanders during the rally.
As the parade route took them past the museum I decided to head somewhere else first. I decided to climb the dome at the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore.
The ceiling of the cathedral.
I figured that would give me a great view of the city and why not start there. I past several police officers who were directing traffic and I couldn’t help but notice how unprofessional the females looked. They all have long hair that hangs out freely over their shoulders under their hats. And their uniform seems to include a giant purse. Maybe that is where they carry thier guns. Not very intimidating I can say that for sure.
I know it's Italy and fashion comes first....but a purse?
Anyway, scaling those 463 steps was totally worth it as the view was great.
A few of those steps...really not so bad.
I could see the whole city. You also couldn’t help but see the very large parade of students parading in the streets. Really the whole atmosphere of the city could be soaked up in a few minutes.
I took this picture along the way....up all those stairs.
Exactly what I envision when I think of Tuscany.
Me with some of the scenery.
That protest rally from high above.
I then decided I would head back the Galleria del Accademia. The line was actually not that long (queuing seems to be a tourist attraction in itself here in Florence) and it only took me about 25 minutes to get in. I met some very nice boys from California in line who are on a break from classes (currently studying in London). They thought it was funny that students in Italy were fighting $3000 a semester tuition when they can easily pay $45,000 a year. I pointed out that that is exactly what the students were protesting against. They don’t want private universities like you see in the US. They are attempting to keep the public university system from dying in this country. I love my American friends but sometimes Americans really cannot see that we don’t always want what they have.
Another view from the dome. I could have also climbed the bell tower but decided one set of stairs was enough.
Anyway, back to my trip. The Galleria dell Accademia is of course home to Michelangelo’s David (the real one). There are a bunch of other things in the museum including some very interesting statues by Lorenzo Bartolini but really I found most of the museum uninspiring. Mostly religion influenced pieces that have actually been removed from churches. David on the other hand…….what can I say about David. I stopped breathing for a second or two and I did nearly cry (nearly). Much larger than I expected (we estimate about 14 feet tall). You cannot help but be in awe as you walk around the corner and see him standing at the end of the room. You can insert whatever descriptive word you want right here and I am sure it will properly describe David. Sorry, no pictures but I am sure you all know what he looks like anyways.
I then wandered my way through the streets on the way back to my hotel. I did stop by the market, just in case something caught my eye. There were all the usual knock-off everything’s, cheap David statues and every colour pashmina under the sun. I need none of those things so headed back to the Wash and Dry to finish the rest of my laundry.
I must say my day ended with one of the best meals I have had here in Italy at The Trattoria Armando. Good wine, good spaghetti, good Italian atmosphere.
I am off to Pisa in the morning for another fun filled day.
A little video from the protest.
Julie
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