Day 4 – Medieval Towers and free-time in Florence

You need to be careful at breakfast. Some things are included, some things cost extra. Cheese and meat are apparently premium items. You also need to be early to the juice machine or else you get more water than juice. We did see our first toaster and butter for bread. Still warm milk though. Orange-flavoured croissants sound appealing, but aren’t.

A 45 minute ride through beautiful Tuscany got us to San Gimignao, an amazing village frozen in the 12^th century. High walls, towers, and arches were everywhere. Our tour director Riccardo mounted a “crusade” to conquer the hill (Rocca) in the center of the village, an easy climb which produced some beautiful photos of this particular Tuscan valley. Free time was spent eating gelati (a given), climbing our first tower of the day (Tor Grossa), shopping for alabaster, and eating roast boar. A few students went through the Museum of Torture to get a feel for detentions (of a more serious nature) in the middle ages. The group loved the feel of this place and could have spent way more time there.

Back to Florence for a free afternoon and an attack on the Duomo, 463 steps to the top of the tallest building in the city which is an amazing gothic Cathedral, heavily influenced by the Renaisance. Everyone who started the climb made it, even with some serious height phobias. For many this is the highlight so far. Some people also attempted the nearby bell tower, and if they did the morning tower as well they likely climbed over 1,000 stairs. The Ufizzi, the Leanardo museum, and lots of bartering for leather helped pass a beautiful afternoon in the downtown piazzas.

We’re improving our Italian every day, although a few are struggling with the difference between prego (you’re welcome) and grazie (thank-you). When in doubt just say prego, right Alex? Another important phrase is “vi via”, which is “take-off” or “give me a break” meant to chase away aggressive vendors, or cheap Canadian students who want to buy purses for nothing. We’re anticipating a few overweight charges at the airport.

A beautiful moment in front of the Santa Croce church ended our day. Our choir students held an impromptu concert in the square before we left for dinner. After finding the right pitch and getting Craig to pick up the soprano work, the students showcased their favorite choral pieces, proving they can sing without microphones. Jana would be so proud.

We’re off to Assisi on Sunday, which happens to be Palm Sunday; this is probably a busy day for a working church. We’re hoping to get inside but are expecting crazy crowds. After that it’s off to Roma!