After gorging oursleves on prosciutto and ham and scomorza, we headed out to visit Tempio Maggiore, the only Synagogue in Florence. Definitely worth the trip, and far from the tourist crowds. Moorish design, gorgeous. Security was tight, and they gave the girls shawls to cover their shoulders for the tour. Sorry they forbade cameras inside, but here is a web site with good pics. We learned the fascinating history of the Jews in Florence and met a nice man from Crown Heights who thought Diego was Jewish and offered him his Tallis.
Beautiful Oleander growing on a wall across from the Synagogue, and everywhere we went throughout this country. Given how oleander grows here in this hot sunny climate, I am wondering if it would do well on my rooftop, and consider sneaking some cuttings through customs, but reconsider and plan to check it out when I get home…
On to the Iffizi. As with the Metropolitan in New York, I think the best time to visit the Iffizi is the end of the day. We got our tickets for 6:00 pm, which left us plenty of time to see the galleries, catch a gorgous sunset…
and close the rooftop cafe with drinks.
Dinner is a pizza with anchovies.
More strolling. gelato for the kids, then home to Boga Pinte.
The grafitti catches my eye tonight, and I find myself thinking that it is much more artistic here than in Rome. Or perhaps it is just that the Iffiizi has me seeing art everywhere….
Tomorrow – On our own in Sienna and Vinci
Magnificent. I hope to be there one day.
I find it amusing that you filled yourself with Ham before visting a synagogue.
Uffitzi, dahling, Uffitzi!
looks like a lovely trip. god I love florence.
And while you are considering bringing back souvenirs, could you make mine about 6′ tall, 200 lbs, with a charming accent?
Thanks!