Day 31 Florence

This morning I had an 8.45am ticket to the Galleria Accademia and I'm glad I did. There was hardly anyone there which made viewing the statue of David  much easier. I didn't realise it was so big. I thought it was more life size. I wandered this place for a bit then left.

Next I walked down the street and discovered this big green and white building with a huge queue. Google told me it was the Duomo. I bought a ticket online and headed into the cathedral. It is massive inside! Much plainer than some of the cathedrals I've been in but it is much nicer I think. I went downstairs to the excavation site where they have excavated some tombs. It was interesting to see the underground crypt area.

Next I saw this bell tower & read that my ticket included it so in I went. I didn't actually expect to be able to climb to the top but I could! Man it was sooo physically challenging! It was extremely narrow (less than 1m wide) and steep. It was 1 path for both up & down. There were 4 levels and at each one, everyone arrived competely out of breath. 82m to the top with amazing views. I headed back down and went to the dome entrance.

So apparently I had a skip the line ticket but the security guards were not allowing this and everyone had to line up in the same line. I waited 25mins before going in then started the LONG climb up. 493 stairs, narrow like bell tower, in some cases both up & down had to pass each other (requiring lots of body contact) and everyone arrived at the top competely stuffed. 92m up this time. I made it at 12pm as the bells across Florence all started ringing. The views were again spectacular. Then I headed back down. It was actually harder gong down as I was so worried of falling ( the steps themselves were narrow too so feet placement was crucial).

Next I walked to the Galileo Museum. No queues outside, very few people inside. It was interesting to see all the ancient globes & telescopes.

Then I found a restaurant for lunch. I decided to give the Italian pizza a go (not normally being a fan). I ordered a porcini mushroom, truffle cream, parmesan flakes & mozzarella pizza. It was nice although VERY oily and the toppings only covered 2/3 of the base. I'm definitely an Aussie style pizza girl. Gimme toppings galore!!

Lastly I went to the Leonardo da Vinci museum.  Again no crowds and not many people inside. Here they have built a large number of the machines Da Vinci designed in his notebook. It was fascinating to see them and some you could actually use.

 This one below is a tank.

Then I collected my luggage and headed to the train station to get the train to Pisa.

After arriving in Pisa I walked the whole shopping street to reach my hostel. Lots of shops! There is even a marijuana shop! After checking in I went to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the dark. It was amazing. The tilt is so significant! I'm amazed it hasn't competely fallen over! Tomorrow I'm climbing to the top (no elevators??) and wandering around the town before heading to Rome.