Today was our last full day here, and we started out with a morning run. Then we set out to do two final things on our list.
For our first stop, we walked over to the Pitti Palace (Mike says he "Pitti's the Fool"). We toured the palace the last time we were here, so instead today we went to check out the vast gardens behind the palace - both the Boboli and Bardini Gardens. It was a little chilly out, but we walked around looking at all fountains, statues, and paths lined with trees. I'm sure it is more fun to walk around when its warmer out, but we did get some good views of the city.
After the gardens we stopped for some gelato and then went to visit the Braccini Chapel. There is something about this chapel that makes it a serious destination. Reservations are required, and you can only visit the chapel accompanied by a guard. We do understand that the artists who painted the frescoes on the chapel walls were some of the few who started painting in perspective, influencing many Renaissance painters. Besides that, we're pretty sure we missed something - for the following reasons:- As a preview to the tour, we watched a 40-minute video about the chapel. First of all, the chapel is only 30'x20'. How are there 40-minutes worth of things to say about these frescoes? Not surprisingly, we both napped a little. Mike took a look around to see if anyone else was snoozing - far from it. Everyone watching the video was totally engaged.
- Finally we were allowed in to see the chapel. After watching the video we weren't really sure we needed to see it in person - we were practically experts on the subject at that point- but of course we went in. What we didn't do was whip out our tour book for more information. For some reason, we were the only ones that didn't feel that the video provided enough detail. Every single other person had out their tour book, took a copy of the handout provided by the chapel, and some even had tour guides with them. They were all comparing the notes in their books with each fresco, taking pictures from every angle - it was hysterical.
At the end of the day, we will say that the frescoes were beautiful, well restored, and clearly the brightest spot of the church. But if anyone can explain why it seemed to blow everyone else's mind, we'd appreciate it.
Instead, the highlight of our day was dinner at our favorite restaurant. We had some more amazing food (see the pictures for evidence of Plate Cleaner Mike) and then had two funny interactions with the wait staff. First, one of the waitresses started talking to us in English (either we stand out at Americans, or she just heard us talking). Her English was so perfect - no Italian accent - that I had to ask her where she learned. Turns out, she is American herself, from San Francisco. We chatted with her for a while learning about how she ended up in Italy.
Secondly, we've been wondering if the waiters here recognize us - we've been here four times in the last two weeks and its the same wait staff working every night. Turns out, they do. Tonight one of the asked if we wanted dessert and if we even needed to see the menu - clearly we know what is on it. I'm not sure if its a good thing that we know the dessert menu by heart, or not...
Tomorrow morning we're off to Perugia!
Gelato Gusti per il Giorno:
Mike - Cookies e Creme Caramel
Aviva - After Eight e whipped cream
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