Florence, Pisa, and Tuscany trip

     Two weeks ago we embarked on our second foray into Italia, which is quickly becoming one of our favorite destinations.  This time around we went to Florence, Pisa, and some Tuscan cities and countryside.  We even snuck back up into Cinque Terre to relive the glory days.  You know, while we were in the area and everything.  But really, this was a great trip.  We flew into Bologna and rented a car  which was almost a little problematic (Mark was pretty rusty at driving manual--russs-teee). Well, eventually we got out of the parking lot and were on the open road, headed down toward Impruneta, just south of Florence, where our hotel awaited perched atop a ridiculously steep hill (plus a free European breakfast... all you can eat salami).

   Day one: Florence.  The sights were spectacular.  The dome was magnificent.  When we arrived in the city we went straight on in and up to the top of the dome.  We even got Sadie and London up there, with a little effort.  463 stairs might not sound like a lot to you, but with those two heavy little girls, it was like...926 stairs?  Anyway, we got our workout.

The interior of the duomo is an imposing fresco depicting the judgement day.  The part that really impacted Sadie was the "three-headed dinosaur dog" as she called it.  The led to many questions and discussions over the next three days, and just might have been her favorite part of the whole trip.

The climb up the dome was ridiculous!!! My legs have never shaken and trembled with such magnitude.  If the renaissance was so great, why didn't they invent an elevator?

Commanding views!

This here is tour guide "Mustache Mark-" with out him and the trusty Florence app our wanderings surely would have ended in disaster. Oh, about the mustache...unfortunately this trip coincided with and old Air Force tradition of "mustache March", so the family pictures are all basically ruined.  Also unfortunately, it's still March and the 'stache has only grown longer.  April has never looked more promising.

We got to see Michaelanglo's David, but there is a no-picture policy in the museum.  It was awesome and a lot bigger than....we thought it would be. Seriously, though, the statue is very impressive when you first see it. As it came into our view, Mark uttered his best quote of the day: "that is one beautiful man".

Thank goodness for David replicas strewn about the city. 

After a long day on your feet the only thing to keep you going is a nice cold Gelato (nutella flavored)...

...but it doesn't work for everyone.

Day two: Pisa.  The day began (and ended) with rain, rain, rain.  Our plan was to go explore Tuscany, but we could tell that it would have ended in disaster.  So, we decided to drive to Pisa and see that tower (you know, the one that leans).  We were not disappointed.  This may sound silly, but it was actually quite leany. The dome and cathedral next to it were impressive too.  The city of Pisa caused a few other driving incidents, but we made it out of there okay.  Darn scooters.

We truly didn't know what else to do in the rain, so we settled on a  road trip. Cinque Terre was so close, we couldn't resist but to drive 1 hour to check it out, even in the rain.  The hills and cliffs were a little intense, but still beautiful.  We admired it from the car, mostly.  

Day three: Tuscany-San Giminano and Volterra.  The weather was much better as we ate our last yogurt and salami breakfast and headed south to Tuscany.  We heard some good rumors about these two villages, which are actually walled cities on the top of the Tuscan mountain-ish hills. And yes, a shout out to all Twilight fans would be in order as we visited Volterra, home of the evil  but powerful coven of real vampires, the Volturri (spooky!).  But we didn't see them, or Edward :(  so we turned around and left, not even taking time to enjoy the beautiful scenery or charming villages.  Well, just kidding. We had a lovely time.  The Volturri are lucky to live where they do.

Have there ever been two girls who loved flowers more than these ones?  I don't think so.  They keep picking like they are getting paid.  Looking at these photos, you'd think we withhold their dinner if they don't gather their daily quota of flowers.

"Back to work, you slugs! Piiiicckkkkk!"

This is where your EVOO comes from.

There is beauty all around!

"You have two minutes.  Go Bella, go!"

2007 Gelato World Champions.  Had to try it.