Naked statues and lots of them

Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day being. I woke up at 6:45 so I could be one of the first people in line at the Uffizi. I was there a little after 7:30 and was in line with about 15 other people. I brought my book along and happily read Janet Evanovich before I was let into the museum at 8:15. When I came out the line was very long and while getting up that early sucked, it was well worth it.

The Uffizi is huge! I was happy that Katie told me to get a map - I needed it. The only thing that I can tell you I saw was the Birth of Venus. There were some paintings that looked familiar but that could have been because I just saw the same general picture in the room before. I was amazed at how well the pictures looked even though they are so old! The effort that goes into restoring paintings is amazing to me. I can say that I have seen Leonardo da Vinci paintings up close; however, if I hadn't read the sign I wouldn't have known they were by him.

I had plans to meet Katie for lunch, but was early, so I wandered around and came upon the Palazzo Vecchio. The Palazzo Vecchio is a rich person's home (Katie says the Medici family) converted into a museum. It was fun to go through. I think the ceilings were my favorite part. I met up with Katie and we had some good lasagna before she went to her final. I wondered around and found myself a pair of pants (I need to wash my jeans and it's too cold for shorts or a skirt). The afternoon was spent in the Boboli Gardens were Katie joined me for a little bit and then I went to Pitti Palace. I really liked Pitti Palace. The rooms were a lot of fun to look at. The detailing on the walls and ceilings were gorgeous.

Katie is part of a small group and has an advisor from her study abroad program. Last night was their last dinner together and I was invited to come along which was a nice treat. We went out to a nice restaurant where we had appetizers, wine, and pasta, with gelato afterwards. It was a nice way to end a busy day.

This morning I got up early, again, to see the statue of David at Accademia. This time I was the first one in line and no one else showed up until 15 mins after me. David is a lot bigger than I was expecting. I'm glad I got to see him. The detailing in his body is quite amazing - he has veins that you can see in his hands! Afterwards I went shopping with Katie and Laura. I took a nap while Katie and Laura watched a movie. I haven't been sleeping well at my hostel.

This afternoon we have been laying low - Katie has to study and my energy level has been sub par. Don't know what we will do tomorrow - I am just hoping that the rain will go away until I have left.