Rainy Monday

Today was about rain, puddles, and cooler temperatures in Florence. Nonetheless, we had a great day meeting up with Denny's niece Julie, her husband Thierry and their three wonderful sons who drove from their home in France just to spend some time with us in Florence. We haven't seen Julie in ten years so this was a sweet reunion, a chance to reminisce and meet their three boys, Benjamin, Christopher, and Nicholas. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch together, catching up on family news. After Laura headed back to class we spent a few more hours with the Motets, wandering the streets of Florence around the Duomo and the Plaza della Signoria, eating gelatto (of course) and taking in the view of the Arno River near the Ponte Vecchio.

The Duomo was particularly beautiful today, especially when the skies cleared for those few moments. I suppose this imposing wonder is fabulous under any conditions. The inside of the dome, complete with frescoes made me want to lie down on the ground to take it all in. The photograph barely does justice to the magnificent colors.

Tomorrow is another day. Election Day. We'll be touring the Uffizi Gallery, eating more gelatto, and bargaining with vendors selling Pashmina scarves. We won't know the results of the election until sometime on Wednesday given the 9 hour time difference.

Good night from Florence.