Last Friday my study abroad advisor, Chiara, had a "Cultural Event" planned for those of us who would be around (most were traveling around Europe). She took us to the Santa Croce Church, a leather store, and Piazzale Michelangelo. Now first let me tell you about the fact that it's a common theme for Italians to take their time and arrive 'fashionably late' to wherever they are going. This is a commonly accepted aspect of Italian living, however, when it comes to entering the Santa Croce Church (or any church/tour) it somehow does not apply. Our group had gathered outside the church a quarter to 5 when the last tour of the night would be let in. Because we were waiting for a few more people and our tickets we didn't get to the gate till 5:02.Our tour guide, holding our tickets, asked the guard if he could open the gate and let us in. He refused saying we were late and not allowed in. Yes, TWO minutes late and he wouldn't let us in. Finally our tour guide found another guard to talk to who luckily let us in despite our tardiness. It was a funny way to experience Italian culture firsthand. Once inside the church we were able to see none other than Michelangelo, Galileo, & Machiavelli's tombs! So crazy being in the presence of such talent and greatness. The rest of the church was also extremely beautiful. I definitely recommend visiting this church if you're ever in the area. After Santa Croce we went to a leather store for a brief demonstration on how they make leather boxes and how to tell the difference between real and fake leather. It was cool to learn about it.
Next we avoided the hike and took taxis up to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a place overlooking all of Firenze. Picture this: the Arno River placed in front, followed by endless rustic rooftops, as well as the towering Duomo, Santa Croce Church & Palazza Vecchio all in front of a gorgeous backdrop of mountains and blue skies with wisps of white clouds. Now picture it during a sunset of the prettiest oranges and yellows. Finally at dusk when all the building lights begin to shine and the sky turns a mix of light and dark blue. Perfetto! I couldn't imagine a prettier view. During the change to sunset and dusk we were also lucky enough to be sitting outside enjoying a nice apertivo and drinks. I never wanted to leave. Needless to say I will be back up there many many times before my time here is finished!
My night ended out with some of the girls at one of the many Irish pubs here. This is where we met THE COACH, yes that is what he called himself very loudly and has tattooed on his bicep. He was probably mid 60s, overly jacked, and a tad bit drunk. His former wrestling team (they were probably in their 40s) was treating him to a trip to Italy. This is when we found out he is ironically from Bridgewater, MA (a town over from Stonehill). His girlfriend apparently used to cook for the priests at Stonehill and he knows the baseball coach. He informed me, with a generous amount of spit, that apparently he also knows many of the coaches from Franklin High School as well... small small world it is. Never a dull moment in Firenze :)
Santa Croce Church pictures:
Michelangelo's Tomb
Piazzale Michelangelo pictures:
:-)
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