Day 12

The Duomo was first on the list today. We were there standing in a line that trailed off far behind us at 9:45 this morning, despite the fact that the church doesn't open its large ornate doors until 10:00. There was a family standing behind us speaking Spanish and some English and I am proud to tell you that I understood a few words here and there. We entered the dimly lit church, empty of almost everything except people. The pink green and white marble that makes up the outside was on the floors and walls inside as well. Nanny and I lit prayer candles, the first upon the holder as we were there so early. The famous dome in the back was built without cement by stacking the bricks so the weight leaned against itself. The inside of the dome is painted with one of the largest single paintings in the world. After we had had our fill we went down a small flight of stairs into a gift shop, where I purchased a small book of Leonardo’s works. Next on the list was Michelangelo’s David. After becoming slightly turned around (alright, my fault) and being told at least twice in exasperated voices that told how often the buildings were mistaken that "No, this is a university, David is that way" we found ourselves at the end of a sluggishly moving line half a block away from the museum. The wall was covered in graffiti and we entertained ourselves by pretending not to be reading the vows of love, signatures, and obscenities scrawled upon it. After over an hour we were inside. A few paintings, rough sculptures and security guards later and there was David, in all his glory. He was taller than I had thought he would be but still in good condition, marble face refusing to betray his true age. In the end, we spent more time in the line than we did in the museum, and back on the streets we searched for a plan. Food became priority, so we walked to a cafeteria we had seen near the Duomo. I had a caprice salad (which ironically contains no lettuce) and Nanny had penne pasta with meatballs in tomato sauce. Strawberries and cream for dessert. It had begun to drizzle and Nanny became determined to find an elusive plastic rain coat. Exiting the cafeteria, we were immediately offered an umbrella by one of the many street men selling them. Nanny immediately communicated in her southern accent "I want a raincoat. Not an umbrella" He found one of his buddies who sold the plastic treasures and the bargaining began. Ten Euros each. No, no, no, too much. I'll pay five each. I sell you both for eighteen. No, no, five each. Fifteen for both. NO! FIVE EACH! The man's friend the whole time nodding his head, yes yes, take five each take five each. So we walked to the hotel garbed in the neon blue and pink bargain coats.

From the hotel we went to a bridge close by that carries shops along it that sell gold and silver at prices worthy of the rich and famous. I shamefully left my raincoat behind, in favor of a more stylish umbrella. I was disappointed to find the cost of the mass amounts of jewelry much beyond my affordability. However it did no cease to annoy me when the shops refused to display the price tags on their shiny wares. At the very top of the bridge I bought a print of a sketch of Da Vinci, which I intend to hang in my room, should it make the journey home in one piece. After the bridge of many wonders and let downs, we walked the shops in town, where I bought a Vespa keychain. If only I had some keys. We were wearing down and decided to call it a day. The internet refuses to work up in the room and a repair person has yet to show, so down in the lobby it sit. I suppose that's the price you pay when you're only coughing up five euro a day for wireless. Tomorrow we plan to take a day trip to Sienna and some other place I can't remember the name of, should the train be willing to take us. It is supposed to be beautiful and I am really psyched about going.

I seem to have left my camera up in the room, and as the internet is only available down here, the pictures will have to wait, sorry guys. You can console yourselves by catching up on posts, writing me an email, leaving me a comment, or taking my poll!
Goodnight and Good luck.