The promised photos -- the beautiful sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo; me, in said repaired glasses, with some nice Greek kids, watching the sunset; Donatello's moving Penitent Magdalene; some modern Florentines dressed like 15th century Florentines for no apparent reason.
This morning was GREAT. One of the museums I would like to visit, Museo Stibbert, responded to my request to see some pieces that aren't on public view and so I raced over before they could 
change their minds. The director, Charles Fuchs, showed me and another guest around the villa-cum-museum that houses the collection of Frederick Stibbert, who was phenomenally interested in armor. They have the largest collection of Japanese armor outside of Japan. After ooh-ing and aah-ing over the amazing pieces, I saw the small items that affect my paper, and then headed for ANOTHER museum. The Accademia, where they house Michelangelo’s David, had a two hour line! At least I queued next to an interesting couple from California -- they kindly held my place while I ran for a gelato. 
In the evening, I went for a walk around the piazzas and managed to run into Marco, Mr. I'll-make-you-a-cappuccino-at-my-house. After introducing me to another gelato place (yes, I have a problem), Marco offered me 1.) a foot rub, and 2.) a second chance to see his house since he 'had to shower.' I passed, but not before discovering that we were in the same restaurant at the same time on Saturday! Florence is a VERY small place. Marco finally understood that I would not join him a casa sua, so I sat in the piazza to read when a fifty+ year old man sat down to chat. At first, I was annoyed -- but then I thought I'd practice my Italian. We chatted for 25 minutes or so (I honestly didn't know that I knew that much Italian!) before he invited me on a date. I of course claimed that I'm getting married in March. You're all invited.
change their minds. The director, Charles Fuchs, showed me and another guest around the villa-cum-museum that houses the collection of Frederick Stibbert, who was phenomenally interested in armor. They have the largest collection of Japanese armor outside of Japan. After ooh-ing and aah-ing over the amazing pieces, I saw the small items that affect my paper, and then headed for ANOTHER museum. The Accademia, where they house Michelangelo’s David, had a two hour line! At least I queued next to an interesting couple from California -- they kindly held my place while I ran for a gelato. 
In the evening, I went for a walk around the piazzas and managed to run into Marco, Mr. I'll-make-you-a-cappuccino-at-my-house. After introducing me to another gelato place (yes, I have a problem), Marco offered me 1.) a foot rub, and 2.) a second chance to see his house since he 'had to shower.' I passed, but not before discovering that we were in the same restaurant at the same time on Saturday! Florence is a VERY small place. Marco finally understood that I would not join him a casa sua, so I sat in the piazza to read when a fifty+ year old man sat down to chat. At first, I was annoyed -- but then I thought I'd practice my Italian. We chatted for 25 minutes or so (I honestly didn't know that I knew that much Italian!) before he invited me on a date. I of course claimed that I'm getting married in March. You're all invited.
