The Florentine (Pietsch) death march

Brian took us on a walking tour to San Miniato al Monte, a church perched on a hill overlooking Florence. Built in 1018 over the shrine of the early Christian martyr. The church was absolutely beautiful, but the treck was mostly uphill. We passed the home of Galileo. We stopped just before the church and snapped two photos, one holding signs in honor of my aunt Joan stating "Go Joan Go" and another wishing my cousin Kelly a "happy birthday." Can't wait to tell the kids about the 3 mile hike uphill both ways.

The church was absolutely beautiful, and there were few people there. I spent several minutes in the lower chapel by myself, and it was peaceful and an absolutely wonderful experience. I snapped several photos while there and lit a couple of candles. A moment I will never forget.

I purchased a couple of things at the gift shop including some lavender essential oils, a cross for my collection, and a Gregorian chant CD.

We stopped for lunch at a little cafe overlooking Florence and the food was wonderful.

We also visited Santa Croche on the way down, which was beautiful and contained the tombs of Michaelangelo, Galileo, and many others.

And did a bit of shopping, stopping at the straw market, and once again visiting the artists creating chalk images on the sidewalk.

We did a bit of shopping and ended the evening ate Il Latini, a little restaurant, which Rachael Ray had suggested. It was quite an experience. Quickly ushered to our table, the waiter immediately and feverishly started placing food in front of us, and wine, and more foood. As quickly as it came, we ate it up. Tried a lot of things I typically wouldn't have, including a pasta with wild boar, proscuitto, etc. Great fun and laughter was had by all.

Ciao!