we have one full day in florence and a booking for the ufizzi
that set for early afternoon so the morning is set for a climb
the dome of the cathedral is one of the tourist hot-spots here
which explains the snaking queue in place as we arrive there
confusion abounds about the need for tickets to see the dome
eventually that is confirmed as the secretive office is located
too hard - it could be a 2-3 hour wait which is not desirable
the team splits - shoppers and ticket hunters for another venue
a walk to the academy of fine arts - same deal - a long queue
na - not that desperate and further justification - we will return
a feeling that this city deserves more attention at off-peak times
today's best option is to observe and not join the current madness
and so it goes - people-watching to the fore with plenty to see
not the least the way the locals are reaping the tourist boom
there's guided tours going in multiple languages and directions
buskers, hawkers, vendors, and mini-markets on every street
the essentials - cold drinks and gelato - available at every turn
we cannot resist the gelato and select one shop - ouch - pricey
across the road another shop offers the same for half the price
taken - thanks - and enjoyed as we walk towards the ufizzi
which brings another conundrum - we have booked online
but we have to queue up to obtain the relevant paper tickets
which then allows us to queue up to get into the entrance
so that we can then queue up for the (casual) security check
and then queue to obtain the optional but desirable audio-guides
followed by a thankfully moving queue to get into the gallery
phew - just as well we have allocated the afternoon for the visit
the ufizzi is a u shaped building of long corridors across 2 floors
various rooms come off the corridor and each has it's own theme
standing in the first room and all the entry hassles are forgotten
we are looking at a series of huge artworks in various shapes
originally commissioned for various churches in the area
bright, intense, colourful and full of life and characters
an immediate sense that this local italian art is quite unique
which sets the scene for the long, gentle wander that follows
making the most of the audioguide for details on some pieces
total immersion in the paintings, frescoes and sculptures on display
the visitors all moving in the same direction and at a similar pace
with the most famous pieces generally encircled by a large crowd
and also the target of people in selfie mode with their smartphones
which in itself is a bit surprising - there is no restriction on photos
there is some security though - found out when leaning over a barrier
trying to examine one amazingly detailed painting at close range
an embarrassing alarm sound and a near hysterical security guard
3 hours pass by quite easily and senses overload starts to kick in
we agree - this place justifies multiple visits - we shall return
for now - a quick snack and for this one - a quick hike home
some issues to deal with before then walking back into town
over the sunset-lit river again to a pre-arranged restauarant
an outdoor meal and then a long alternative route to the car
returning to play taxi-driver for the 3 tired ladies waiting
more fun had negotiating busy florence streets at night...
