Italy Day 5

I think being constantly on the go has finally caught up to me. I woke up this morning and really had no desire to get the day going. It was freezing in the room though, so that made me get out of bed to take a long hot shower. After hanging around the hostel, having a couple cups of coffee, I finally made my way out the door. Wow, it was nuts. I guess it is a holiday weekend here and the streets were packed! The line to get to the dome was so long I couldnt even see the end. And the line to get into the cathedral was even worse! I booked it out of there as fast as I could. I took a detour down to the Michelangelo house. It was nice to sneak away from the crowds and there was barely anyone in the museum. I think I am pretty burnt out on museums because it didnt really do much for me. Its all still very amazing, but I just wasnt feeling it.
I left and wound my way down to Santa Croce. The line again was long to get in, but I had no desire to go in, so I just hung out in the Piazza. It was a cold and gloomy day, so I could only stay still for so long before I got cold. I made my way towards the Palazzo Vechio and Uffizi. The line to the Uffizi was beyond ridiculous so I didnt even try. Again, I just wandered around outside. I had been here, as well and the Piazza Santa Croce a couple nights back, and I was grateful for that! The was no one out when I explored the other night, a huge contrast to the crowds I had to fight through this time.

I didnt really have a plan, so I just wandered. I made my way down to the river and across. Before I knew it I was winding through more cobble streets that got steeper the further I went. But I was getting warm, and the views were getting better, so I kept going. I barely saw another soul on my trek up. At the top I guess I was at a cemetery next to Piazzale Michelangelo. It was amazing. I wandered through, looking at the different headstones. It was so peaceful, I heard were the birds chirping and every now and then the bells in the tower overhead would ring. There were only a small handful of people around. It was perfect. Which made it more odd that I randomly ran into the Frenchmen from the tour there! Of all the places, and with barely any people! We caught up, I did my best to understand their broken English, and they asked me to go out for more wine with them later. It was a nice encounter!

After the cemetery I made my way over to the Piazzale Michelangelo. The views were just as spectacular as from the cemetery, although more people. I took some photos and hung out for a little while, relaxing and taking in the views. I noticed that there was music playing from somewhere. A nice classical mix. I thought it really help set the mood and made it even more relaxing. I stayed at the top for about half an hour, enjoying the views and the music. For some reason I have been thinking about my mom a lot today. I was wondering what she would think of me being here and again how much I wish I could talk to her. Up at the cemetery it kind of made me sad that she doesnt have a °place° yet in her afterlife, like a grave or plaque or bench or whatnot. Someplace I can go visit and talk with her. I was still thinking about her as I made my way down the path, still hearing the classical music. The song ended as I was approaching the speakers. I nearly collapsed when the next song started. °Over the Rainbow° by Isriel. Classical music the whole time, until right now. Really? I stopped and found a place to sit. I couldnt help but cry as the song played while taking in the view. I knew mom was with me, and that she loved that I was there. It was a wonderful moment.

Once I gathered myself, I continued down the path. Taking more side streets I made my over to Ponte Vecchio. Again, I am glad I went there the other night. The streets were packed. I went into a little shop, grabbed a panini and quickly made my way out of there. I stopped by the Uffizi once more to see if the line had died down, which it had not. I have been too lucky with that so far on my trip that I am a bit spoiled. I dont want to wait in line! The crowds were starting to get to me and it was getting cold. I was really getting to know my way around Florence that I didnt need a map anymore. And that made me realize there really isnt anything else I feel I have to see. So I decided to just go back to the hostel and relax, even though it was only 3pm. I was about to turn down my street when I got the urge to get some wine. I kept going straight, feeling confident there was a wince store not too far in that direction, even though I had no idea. Sure enough I found one, so I entered and started browsing the wines. All of a sudden I heard a familiar voice, so I turned the corner and there were Barb and Bill from yesterday, buying some soup! I was wondering if I would run into them again, but thought that unlikely. We were so excited to see each other and spent a good 30 or so minutes in the small store catching up. They are such fun people!

I made my way back to the hostel, feeling happy and comfortable. How weird to run into people I now know! It wouldnt have shocked me as much if it was in the Duomo or something, but a small wine shop and the cemetery?

Back at the hostel I poured myself a glass of wine and settled on the black leather couch to start reading my book. I had yet to even open the cover yeton this trip! I was about 5 pages in when a guy came through the door to check in. I turned around instinctively, and saw it was a guy from the hostel down in Rome that I had chatted with on my first night! This day is getting weird. We said hi and promised to catch up at dinner.

I was getting a little bored hanging around the hostel so I decided to head back out. I just walked the busy streets again, with no map and no plan. I think I have got this city down pretty well. I even tried to get lost by taking any random turn that I could, but always ended up on a corner or street I knew. As I was walking along a busy section an Italian man started talking to me, asking if I spoke French. I said no, that I was American. He did not believe me, and swore I was french. I said no, I was pretty sure I was from America! We walked together for a while just talking about my trip and he told me that he had lived in Seattle for a while. Very nice guy. I do not understand why everyone seems to think I am from anywhere but America! French is definately taking the cake though.

I made my way back to the hostel just in time for free wine and pasta. I got caught up with Andrew (the guy from Rome) quick before he headed out and met a few other people before sitting down at a table with one girl sitting quietly enjoying her dinner. We started talking, about everything and anything and before we knew it, it was 2 bottles of wine and 4 hours later! Her name is Micka, and she is from Canada. She also believed I was French until we started talking! I dont even think I have any French in my blood! Anyways, it was really nice to have such a good, long conversation with someone. We plan to go up to the bell tower tomorrow before I take off for Montepulciano. But now I am exhausted and am in need of a hot shower! Goodnight!