Touring the Uffizi, one of the largest collections of priceless art in the world, was a fitting way to spend our last full day in Italy. Ricardo, mentioned prior, was an excellent guide in showing us the many nuances of various pieces depending on era, artist, style, subject and medium. We were humbled to gaze on masterworks most people view only in books or on the internet.
After the Uffizi, we were free to wander until dinnertime so we chose to explore the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio is the only enclosed bridge that was not destroyed in W.W. II. The Medici family used this covered walkway to move from their residences to their businesses during inclement weather. In medieval times, butcher shops lined the bridge and tossed animal waste/trimmings into the Arno below; the Medicis didn't like the smell, and replaced the meat shops with high-end jewelry shops, which remain to this day. Now, more than ever.
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Our final dinner together this night was another splendid parade of courses, each seemingly more delicious than the one before.
Dessert was not one, not two, but FIVE impossibly difficult choices as the pastry cart was rolled in. For our after-dinner pleasure, we were offered limoncello, blueberry liqueur or grappa to drink. Grappa is nearly full-strength alcohol made from fruit, seeds and stems. Although neither of us were fans of this strong drink, it may have made the pain of saying goodbye to our family of tour mates slightly less painful! Toasts and thanks to our tour guides Cristina and Mary Ann were made and email addresses were exchanged to keep in touch. For us, it was back to Iowa (via Minneapolis) the next day. Helpful hint: Since our airport was a three-hour drive from home, we did Park 'n Fly at the MSP airport. It enabled us to park at a hotel, take a shuttle bus to/from the airport, and get a good night of sleep pre- or post-trip, for less money than parking at the airport. |