Stairway to Heaven

Spring break was a vacation which I both wanted and needed. While I felt that I needed a break from the academic demands of a semester abroad, I just wanted to get out of Dublin for a little while and get to some nice weather for a few days. Florence was just the location in which I could realize both of these goals. I booked my flight on Ryanair, which is a ‘no frills’ budget airline here in Europe. The thing about Ryanair is that you get what you pay for. The flights are undoubtedly cheap, however you are not assigned any particular seat and you only get to carry on one bag, or pay lots of money to check in any extra luggage. Another thing about Ryanair’s ‘no frills’ service is that any food or drinks you want don't come for free, and are in fact very expensive to buy on board the aircraft.. I managed to be within the weight limits for carry on baggage, and I didn't get anything to eat or drink on the journey, and so that saved a few Euro. Another reason that Ryanair is cheap is because they land at the smaller airports, and in so doing, avoid expensive airport/landing fees at the larger international airports Even though I was going to Florence, I actually landed in Pisa and had to take a bus to Florence, which meant a 30-40 minute drive on the highway. By the time I got into Florence, it was very late and I had some trouble finding the hostel. However, after some searching, I arrived at ‘Emerald Fields’ (ironic name as I had just left the emerald fields of Ireland) and went right to bed to be ready for the next day.
Although I visited Italy four years ago, I had never been to Florence and so, my first day in the city filled me with a sense of excitement and anticipation. I began the day with an early breakfast of croissant and cappuccino. Now people who know me well will point out that I rarely drink coffee, but the way I saw it, if I'm going to get a cappuccino, I might as well get it in such a famous city. Immediately after breakfast (and in an effort to avoid those seemingly never-ending lines) I set out to discover Florence’s most famous landmark – the Duomo. I casually wandered the streets with a map, using the Duomo as a point of reference, and when I eventually arrived at this magnificent cathedral, I climbed up to the top of the dome, stopping at a walkway along the inner wall to admire the fantastic paintings contained therein. The details in these paintings are absolutely amazing. I eventually arrived at the top of the dome where the views (and all 300/400 stairs) were well worth the effort of the climb. It was a perfect day and the view from the top was truly amazing. I could see the vast expanse of terracotta rooftops cover the cityscape and beyond into the distance. When I got back down to ground level, I explored the city – assisted by my most trustworthy friend - my map. After many hours of exploring and an authentic Italian gelato, it was time to call it a day.
My main objective of day two was going to see Michelangelo’s David. There are 3 versions of this sculpture in Florence - the original one and two copies. I decided to go and see the real one. If I didn't know where to look for the museum, I would have walked right past it on the quiet, unassuming Via Ricasoli, which is just a few minutes walk from the Duomo. I paid my entrance fee and proceeded into this very interesting museum, where I saw some exhibitions leading up to David. I then walked into the hall where the statue was. I was really impressed with the sheer scale of the statue which, I imagined, was going to be smaller than it actually was. I could have stood there all day admiring it and how excellent craftsmanship that went into producing it, but there were other things to see and do, and so, I continued to explore this ancient city.
On day three, I went to the Uffizi gallery. I could have reserved tickets for later in the day, but I only discovered this after standing in line for about an hour, at which point I was practically at the front of the line. I proceeded to explore the gallery which was really amazing. While many visitors could spend all day looking at the paintings in the Uffizi, I must admit that a whole day of religious art doesn't appeal to me. While I had traveled to Florence alone, I knew that some other Champlain Dublin students would be in the city at some point during the vacation, and sure enough, while walking around the museum, I bumped right into them. I talked with them for a few minutes and we moved on our merry way. I was tired by the time I had finished exploring the Uffizi and decided to take it easy for a while before my further exploration of Florence.
Day four brought about a day trip to Pisa. There really isn't too much to do in Pisa, or say about it. There is of course the famous leaning tower and a church next to it. I decided to go up the tower to say I went up the tower. I doubt it would be the tourist attraction it is if it was “The Formerly Leaning Tower of Pisa.” It doesn't have the same ring to it. After getting a bit of lunch, I decided to return to the comfort of Florence.
On day five, I took a trip to Rome – the eternal city. I visited Rome during my last trip to Italy, and so, I didn't feel the need to see all of the major sights again. I went to the Trevi Fountain and threw in a coin to make sure I get back to Italy. I went to the Sistine Chapel which had been ‘out of bounds’ the last time I was in Rome, as the College of Cardinals had convened there to conduct the election of the new pope. I wasn't overly impressed with the Vatican Museum, as I am not overly interested by lots of religious art. The Chapel itself was smaller than I thought, and I really wasn't overly impressed with the famous ceiling. I guess the bar was set much further up than David. I was ready to get back to Florence and just sit and relax.
I spent the remainder of my vacation in Florence. The spirit or ‘feel’ of city was just amazing. It is a city which is big enough to house numerous art treasures and wonderful sights, but small enough to avoid that “huge city” feel. The hostel where I spent these nights was excellent. I met people from all around the world, but there were mostly Americans. I flew back to Dublin on Sunday evening and embarked on a new week well rested. This was truly one of the best vacations I have ever had, and one which I will never forget – Bravo Firenze – che bella citta!

With Peace and Love,
Scott Miley