Day 11 (Monday)- Train to Cinque Terre, via Florence
A day late posting yesterday's blog...oops. Ran out of steam! This morning, I said goodbye to my favorite city in the wold, Venice, and took a train to Florence, 4 hours. I've been there before, and even spent a night with some distant Italian cousins, so I didn't plan an overnight on this trip. I had 2 hours to wander the beautiful historic city, and as always, the train station is right in the center of town! The Duomo in all its glory...wow! I walked to the beautiful Duomo and enjoyed some sweets. Cannoli!! I also walked across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River. The only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during WW II, it is known for the shops built along it. Building shops on bridges was once a common practice. Butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. Windows full of gold and jewelry! From Flore...