Bonjourno again,

After taking in almost all of Venice, we decided to take the train to Bologna. Venice was REALLY nice, but aside from Piazza San Marco and the Church, the Rialto Bridge, and a few other attractions, it was more just a place to ‘experience’ than to tour. When we got to Bologna, it was rainy and crappy, so we grabbed some food and went to bed around 8pm. EXHAUSTOMONDO!! I guess the jet lag fully set in!

We got up early today, and took the train into Florence (Firenze). It is by far the BEST place we’ve been yet. The city is so old, and is truly ‘Italian’, with the cobblestone streets, the traffic, the architecture and more. Seeing the Tuscan countryside during the train ride in was amazing! The population is about 370,000 people and is home to a lot of students who are studying abroad. It has that small-town feel, for a city that is pretty densely populated.

I toured around the city today and got some really nice pictures. Went inside the Duomo, which was unbelievable. The stained-glass windows were remarkable, and just the sheer size of the Church is something that we don’t see in Canada.

Il Duomo - Florence, Italy

I also climbed the steps of the Bell Tower outside the Duomo (all 473 of them), for a great view of the city and outlying Tuscan hills.

View from the Bell Tower - Florence, Italy

I think I’m going to hit up some McDonald’s, and then Dawn & I are off to do some clubbin’ tonight. We haven’t determined where, but we’ll just take it as it comes.

We’re also thinking about staying another day here, then it’s off to Rome.

Ciao.