Here Comes the Rain Again....

Via Corso 2, Our Apartment Door

Look at the size of that front door.  It gives you an idea of the height of the rooms in our apartment.  We are delighted with the elevator.  Because even though we are on the second floor, it would be an unwelcome climb of about 60 steps per floor. Oh, plus you know that the first floor in Europe is our 2nd floor.  

The rain has continued today and will for two more days.  It is also cooler here than Rome. Because of the rain, we postponed our walking tour with Pierro until the sun returns.  Meanwhile, we fought the elements and visited the Florence Cathedral.  To our surprise all of the seats are roped off.  I was disappointed because I like to sit and draw in the churches.  I also wondered about those who actually want to worship and can't sit.  The exterior of the Duomo is so beautiful with pink and green marbles.  The interior is a simple gothic design that is a relief after all the Roman Baroque.  The dome, designed and executed by Brunelleschi, was a wonder in its day and remains the largest brick dome in the world.  The overall dimensions are enormous with a length at over 500 feet.  I always use a football field to gauge these spaces, and could just imagine Tom Brady trying to move down that nave.  

We are still getting our feet wet here (ha), taking it slow.  Just a few pictures at flickr.  

Observations of two visitors.

   Sometimes a duomo can seem like Grand Central Station, with no where to sit.

Churches

    Santa Maria del Fiore