Shopping in Florence

I think we were both taken by surprise with Florence, about how beautiful the architecture is and the "feel" of the place.  We started off by going to Peruzzi leather factory.  Florence is known for it's leather goods and also gold jewellery. As Dad would say, I let the moths out of my purse and bought a leather jacket.  They also had gorgeous bags, "fur" jackets and jewellery

.

After the leather factory, we did a walking tour of the old part of Florence with a local guide who was very knowledgeable. Some of the architectural highlights.

and

Inside this Cathedral called Opera Di Santa Maria

was this dome.

The dome is 3,600 square metres and is the largest surface area ever to be painted by man.  The man who did paint it was one of Michaelangelo's protege.  It was painted in 1572 and finished in 1579, and the theme is Last Judgement.  It was restored recently in 1980 and took 15 years to complete the restoration.

Now it was time for lunch, and we were lucky enough to get a table on the balcony overlooking the bridge Ponte Vecchio.  

We then had free time in the afternoon, and just strolled around looking at more of the really unique buildings, some amazing shops

and cute puppies.

Back to the Hotel, and dinner with our group.  A really fun evening.