Firenze by Rebecca (a pilgrim) Rebecca. Rebecca.
We have landed! The airplane ride was quite long but we stayed entertained. After meeting our guides, Cheryl and Shawn, we took the 3 hour ride to Firenze (Florence).
Florence is the most beautiful city I have ever seen. We are staying in the gorgeous convent of St. Elisabettas. The gardens are filled with turtles, fish and birds. The chapel is simple and serene.
After settling, we hiked across the city to the Duomo, the 4th largest cathedral in the world, with a painted dome ceiling. We then saw the baptisty whose doors told the story of Jesus life. Dante was even baptized there. We learned the story of 2 artists who competed to design the doors. The loser would eventually design the Duomo.
Tired we stumbled back to bed. Italy is much more than expected.