Day 4: Florence

We started our day at the beautiful scenic overlook, Piazzale Michelangelo. I so enjoy getting good photos of the people I love.

Then we had a walking tour of this gorgeous city. Because the Medici family started one of the first money exchanges, they grew quite wealthy. To expunge their sins of usury, they sponsored a lot of art for churches. This led to an explosion of incredible masterpieces here starting in the 14th century.

The cathedral is magnificent.

Ufizzi Gallery with Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo in the background. Photo credit Cassie Woods

Traveling with the grandkids meant that we did different activities than we would have if we were alone. Brenna has been here twice and even though it’s the art center of the Renaissance world, and she’s a great artist herself, and loves galleries, Brenna hasn’t been able to see the famous art either time. The first time she came she was pregnant and Lydia was two.

Today was really fun for me. It was 20,000 steps, and exhausting, but it was worth it to get this precious time with the kids and grandkids. Brenna’s plan was:

Definitely do/kid friendly activities:

  • Gelato at https://maps.app.goo.gl/NrUBZbUZxDvyLknx5?g_st=ic
  • Pizza for kids
  • Lampredetto sandwiches at Trippaio del Porcellino – Nencioni, Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
  • Kid clothing store (Monnalisa Firenze)
  • Paper store/art supply store (eredi paperone, manzani belle arte)
  • Candy shop (Captain Candy)
  • Grom Gelato

Potential options/grown up desires/Would like to do: 

  • Drawing at duomo
  • Opera del duomo museum
  • Bargello sculpture museum
  • Horne Museum

We did all the things the kids wanted to do (mostly involving sugar and shopping), and one thing the adults wanted (a museum.) 🧐

Best gelato I’ve ever had. The kids are ruined for life because any future gelato will never taste as good as this.
Candy store. Michael’s candy did not last long. 😋
Sandwiches and a cup of wine to go.
Duomo museum…the floor had a view of the underground construction. It was covered with thick clear plexiglass, but they felt like they would fall through.

Also went to a playground. The kids wanted to ride the carousel in the park, but their parents, who had catered to their every need all day, just wanted to relax a minute. Brenna gave them 20 euros and said “If you can go all the way over there, and figure out how to do it yourself, great!” So they had to deal with a language barrier, and figure out the foreign money, but did well. And if they ever come back, they have a punch card with five rides left. 😉

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