Duomo, Duomo, Duomo

So I have to say, Florence had yet to floor me. I did almost wish our free day had been in Rome, but I completely take that back. Most of our group went galavanting off on a wine tour today, and many went on train adventures to the beach or Piza. But I am so glad I didn't
Myself and two friends decided to brave the line for the duomo this afternoon. It was later, so our line was waiting in the shade, which definitely helped. But the line did move pretty fast. And it was beyond worth it. The line was shorter than going into the cathedral and we saw so much more. Instead of standing under, in one spot, we climbed. We stood next to the ceiling paintings. I could almost reach up and touch the cracks in the inner dome. Don't worry, those are not serious cracks! And we could see the whole inside of the floor plan downstairs. Not to mention climbing up between the two domes. You can barely tell unless you're taking in your surroudings as you climb and see the curve of the inner dome to one side. And right before you reach the top, you literally have to walk up the inner dome. The steps are almost vertical, very much like a ladder. Not worrisome going up, but a little tricky climbing down. But still worth it.

From the top, we had a gorgeous panoramic view of Florence. We could see the Santa Croce, the Medici palace we walk past to dinner at night, the city center arches , and a phenomenal amour more. Including the mountains in the distance! Even though it would have looked phenomenal on film, the view was still worth it without being able to document it.

And long story short, the Fuomo made Florence worth it. Dinner afterwards and time with friends was fabulous. But the Duomo took my breathe away. Of suggest it to slob

I'm off to Rome tomorrow, so I'll update you when we manage to steal wifi there. I love you all, though! Cross your fingers I actually write my term paper on the bus tomorrow like I've been saying I'm going to!
Lucy