The weather in Florence had been warm and humid with thunderstorm warnings. On day four which was Sunday it was sprinkling and the sky was full of gray clouds. I noticed that many places were closed on Sundays and decided to walk across the Arno to the Altrano neighborhood.

I found a vintage shop that was open and promptly purchased a soft blue cotton coat that I thought was like a cross between a chore coat and a blazer. These are two items of clothing that are better worn in and get more comfortable with age.

Here it is draped over my shoulders.

I found an open air market in front of a church.

The Specola museum was open so I checked out their zoology exhibits.

I loved the building but all the dead things behind glass got to me after a while. Next I went to lunch and got seafood risotto. It was super yummy (and I only chewed one piece of shell).

The Pitti Palace was next up on my agenda. It was beautiful and golden but I was tiring.

The gardens were larger that I wanted to explore. I had to admit to myself that I was too tired to see much of it.

All along the Ponte Vecchio bridge are jewelry stores.

That evening I went out for a walk and boldly wore my sandals but still carried my umbrella. I found the Rinascente department store and went in. It had lovely clothes and a cafe on the top floor.

When I came out I found Florence wet and covered in huge puddles. It was still raining hard and the lightening and thunder seemed too close. Luckily my hotel was not far and I made it back safely with just wet feet.

My breakfast was similar to day one but I noticed a dispenser of Nutella and also decided to eat an egg white with the savory part of my meal. Breakfast was always my favorite on the trip.

On this day I had a reservation to the Academia.

Michealangelo’s David is the big draw of the Academia. The statue was perched up above the crowds so that it was easy to see and photograph.

I did not stay long as I wanted to visit more museums that day. Before I left I bought a few souvenirs from the gift shop.

The Bargello was next. It is the oldest public building in Florence and I was immediately impressed with the courtyard upon my arrival.

I saw this David in bronze by Verrocchio. It is sometimes said that he modeled the statue after his student Leonardo di Vinci.

Then I went to the Palazzo Vecchio. The great hall was enormous and the ceiling was intricately decorated.

There was art everywhere but I was entranced by the building itself.

I was invited to meet my nephew, his fiance and their friends for a picnic of sorts at the Piazza Michangelo. It is a famous look out spot for viewing the whole of Florence from a high vantage point. I went to the Market Centrale to get wine, crackers and salami and trekked up to the piazza, crossing the Arno river.

On the way back I had a fig frutta, which was amazing!

My hotel had complimentary breakfast. The coffee was okay and the food was great. I really enjoyed the apricot tart!

I got a Firenze card that allowed me access to the many museums in Florence. That morning I had a reservation to the Uffizi gallery.

I particularly appreciated the sculptures at the Uffizi.

There were was lots of beautiful art as well.

The cafe had a lovely outdoor area and I ate a delicious croissant filed with vanilla custard.

The museum was very close to the Arno river and I explored a little, stopping in shops.

I easily found a restaurant a friend had recommended and had this delicious meal.

I made my way back to my hotel, which was easy to find being near this landmark.

During an evening stroll I visited the Rivoire cafe for a cup of their famous hot chocolate. Surprisingly they have a giraffe.