This morning we walked down the hill and caught bus #16 and rode into Florence. Now, the only way I can describe riding the bus in Italy is that it feels much like what I imagine the Knight Bus from Harry Potter would feel like. Often I feel as though we are squeezing through tiny alleys, hopping over mopeds, screeching to a halt and taking curves on two wheels. However, we always get to our destination safely and timely - so I suppose that's all that matters.
But, these buses do tend to make people a littttle motion sick. Apparently one of our girls (who was already kind of sick anyhow with a sinus infection) threw up into a bag today right before we stopped in Florence. So, Robbie called and someone came by car and picked her up. Then, as we got off the bus we crossed the street and at the tail end of our group were 2 older men. One of them faceplanted right at the end of the crosswalk and into the sidewalk. He banged his face up really badly and there was lots of blood. Needless to say, he was not sober. But, Robbie came to his aid, made some phone calls and got it taken care of.
As soon as he sent those men on their way, we turned around to find one of our own lying on his back having sympathy fainted (that may not be it, but that's what we're calling it.)
So yes, everyone is well now - but it was an eventful morning.
I'll talk a little bit abut what we did today - besides walking over 14 miles. (One of the girls in the group decided to wear a pedometer - brilliant).
We visited several big landmarks -- to get ourselves oriented to the city. We visited all the main piazzas and then climbed what seemed to be about 1000 stairs and different steep hills to get up to a place called "Piazza del Michelangelo". There, you can see the entire city.
It feels more real now.
I know that you can find pictures and paintings of that famous view almost anywhere you want to, but seeing it in real life was much better than any piece of art I've ever seen. We stared the whole time we ate lunch, while Robbie was talking...etc.
Following that we walked up some more really steep steps (I'm telling you, I'm going to have killer thighs) to a church called San Miniato.
This church has something very unique about it. Beneath the entire church are crypts. And in the little 'room' behind the altar is San Miniato's tomb. But, every evening the monks that live in the monastery come to this room and sing Gregorian Chants.
Robbie got permission from the head priest there and our whole group went and sat in this 'room' and we had a mini-devotional.the singing there was absolutely amazing. Moving to the point of tears actually.
This is me and two of my girlfriends - Leigh and Libby.
If you want more pictures check out..
http://harding.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2062274&l=c7aaf&id=71001105
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