Europe Update #4 - Florence & Rome




We only had 1 day in Florence. In retrospect we didn't need the 3rd night in Venice. Florence was too rushed. The hotel we stayed at was family-run - the staff were very helpful and friendly. Ask me if you want to know the hotel name.

Went to the Uffizi and Academia Galleries and saw Michelangelo's David and other masterpieces by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli (where was my favourite turtle, Donatello?!?). Michelangelo was involved with more than arts - he studied anatomy (by dissecting the deceased) and helped plan the city's defences. I thought he just ordered pizza take-outs!

The Church was impressive from the outside, but I was surprised to find it barren inside. The guide explained that Florence used to be a republic and despised the aristocatic lifestyle where the citizens are sent to war. They said, FOCK THAT, we don't need war if we have money! We'll make our city the center of all trade routes. Around the time of the church's construction, Marco Polo stumbled across the Spice Route and everyone started using the sea as a transportation route. Florence was no longer the center of attention and the money dried up, so the church was never completed. I wonder if Florentines despises Venetians because of that?

Last stop was Rome. We stayed on Via Veneto, supposedly the equivalent of NY's 3rd Ave. Rome was ok - I was bummed that they are not many historical ruins left. The main ones left are the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. I made a video at the Colossesum quoting Rusty Crowe from Gladiator... "Are you not entertained?". Funny shiite. Also took some photos posing as Rusty.

In the end we took over 900 photos - the digital age has truly arrived!

Comments

Anonymous said…
damn... send me that video. and damn you for doing this on friendster where I have to sign in?

nice pic btw. where's chuck norris?
3/11/2006 4:21 PM
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