Italy Road Trip: A Good Day in Florence.

Well we have lost a day!! Not sure where it's gone but we have moved swiftly from Tuesday to Thursday. Woke up today thinking it was Wednesday but an email from my wonderful, ever efficient secretary (well ex secretary really) informing me it was Thursday caused consternation in the camp as we were going to have another exploration day today and then do Florence tomorrow. As it turned out another wet day in the hills made Florence a good bet.
After finally getting sorted after a morning's rain, we launched off with Signora Camping's instructions for catching the bus at Pratolino, a village a few kilometers outside the city. All went well; the lady in the post office and local ladies were very helpful with free parking and where to buy bus tickets, even if the lady in the bar (where tickets had to be bought) found our Italian difficult to understand bless her! The bus journey went well and provided stunning views down into Florence and the Duomo. The rain gradually dried up and once in Florence we were soon removing fleeces. The bus dropped us at the station and we quickly found our way to the Duomo where we took the opportunity for a welcome cup of coffee and a long queue for the toilet. The Duomo is an imposing and impressive confection of pastel white, pinks and greens. The Baptistry and Camponile (bell tower) sit alongside but separate from it. Perhaps the cupola or dome with its warm pantiled roof is the most impressive aspect. After exploring inside the cathedral we found our way to the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. Sadly one day didn't allow time for queuing for the famous Uffizi or the climb up into the dome of the cathedral and our interrupted journey meant we couldn't prebook. Nevertheless it was wonderful to see all of the sights and soak up the atmosphere. The Ponte Vecchio is the wonderful old bridge over the River Arno lined with jewellery shops and workshops which are 400 years old. A major highlight of our day was the walk up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, set high above the river and the city beyond, providing wonderful views of the Duomo and the river, crossed by several bridges, including the Ponte Vecchio. Many thanks to Jackie for directions. We returned via steps lined with trees and the stations of the cross, stopping for a welcome beer on the way. Once back in the centre we found our way to the bust stop, enjoying a gelata on the way. We were soon back at the campsite, still enshrouded by thick fog, and made our way straight to the restaurant for welcome pasta bolognese, (the closest ever to Bologna). Signora Camping was delighted we had enjoyed our day and there were hugs all round! A fantastic day.