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Since we got to Florence early, we decided we could get to Rome early as well. The rain finally let up the last full day we were there (somewhat) so we decided to climb Giotto's Campanile, a freestanding bell tower near the Duomo. There were 414 steps with a few stops along the way to take in the panoramic view from different levels. We could see all of Florence and beyond from the top. We then headed to see the town hall of Florence that has a replica of the David sculpture and other beautiful sculptures and a great fountain. We saw some churches and ate pizza. Next, I wanted to head back to the Boboli Gardens for some photos while the sun was shining and also to see a few parts we had missed (the place is HUGE and has so many pathways). Once we finished there, we went to one of the highlights (though there are so many!) of my trip, a photography museum. They had a special exhibit, Controversies: A Legal and Ethical History of Photography. It featured controversial photographs from wars (such as photos from concentration camps, Political (two photos showing one had been retouched of Stalin and a man who had worked for him and he had killed and also a picture of Jackie O crying at JFK's funeral), and even Sept 11 (a severed hand in the middle of a street---VERY moving). It was AMAZING. :) We also went out that night to take pictures (LONG DAY!) The next morning, we ventured to the Galleria dell' Accademia to the David, which is an amazing sculpture. Then, we boarded a train to Rome. The first afternoon/eve was spent walking around checking out some sights. Then went out at night for some pictures at the Trevi Fountain, Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (He was the first leader of the unified Italy--coincidently, we are here for the 150 year Anniversary of the unified Italy. You will see a picture below of the Monument lit up for the occasion), and the Colosseum. That is the last day you'll see here as I have not had time to even download and look at photos from our day today. It has been POURING a lot here and I am bummed that I have not taken pictures I would have (random from walking around because even with an umbrella, my camera has still been getting wet!!) so I've been doing mostly the main places we go to. BOO for rain! ENJOY! More to come probably Friday or Saturday!  Morning cappuccino in Florence. I love when they add a little "something". ;) The next four are from climbing the Bell Tower. (Click to enlarge)      Loved this guy and his horse and carriage.  BEST pizza I've had so far! The next three are from the Boboli Gardens. (Click to enlarge)    Two photos from Florence at night on the Arno River and the Duomo. (Click to enlarge)    Our delicious dinner! So bummed I didn't get a picture of my dinner the first night. It was Red Snapper in the fishing village of Riomaggiore and was SO GOOD! (Click to enlarge)    My favorite church in the world before this trip and still to this day! The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. (viewed from the back in this picture)  The best view of the Roman Forum.  The tomb of the unknown soldier and eternal flame on the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (the first leader of a united Italy). Coincidently, we are here for the 150 yr anniversary of a united Italy. You will see a photo of this monument further down in which it is lit up with the flag colors of Italy for this occasion.  The statue of Vittorio Emanuele II with the sun slowly setting behind.  The Trevi Fountain at night. (a lot more to come from the Trevi at night when I get home!)  The Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II lit up to celebrate 150 years of a unified Italy.  The Colosseum at night.
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