Before the leather market, we went to the Galleria dell'Accademia. While the Gallery hosts lots of beautiful pieces of artwork, its most famous for Michelangelo's "David", which was carved from one 13 foot-tall slab of marble. Taking pictures of The David is completely forbidden, so of course I'm about to incriminate myself, but I got a great shot!!
Onward to the leather market, which was my favorite part of the whole weekend. The last time I was here, I didn't do a lot of bartering. My parents bought me a purse (and I found the stand that I got it from again!) and a wallet. This time, I was in the market to shop, and to get a lot for my money. I got a leather jacket, originally intended to be 250 euros, for 100 euros. I also got a leather bag (which still retains that new, rich leather smell) for 60 euro, a couple of wallets for 15 euro each, and several pashminas. The one thing I wish I bought but ran out of time for, as my friends had less of a desire to shop than I did, is leather gloves. I guess I'll just have to go back!!
As in the United States, shopping works up an appetite. We had lunch at a restaurant near our hostel called "The Diner", which we walked by several times, drooling over the smell of greasy, American diner food. Inside it was a cosy nook in the wall, filled with American students nursing their hangovers with omelettes and bacon. I actually ordered and omelette for the first time in my life! (Nota bene: Soup is not The Diner's strong point, so just steer clear. Broccoli and cheddar was more like broccoli puree.)
Recharged and ready to go, we walked to the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno River and is famously-known for the shops that line it. Originally, these shops were all occupied by butchers but today the Ponte Vecchio is home to many jewelers and offers some of the best window shopping in Italy. Although I didn't buy anything on the Ponte Vecchio, I picked plenty of things out that I would happily own!
After a day of sightseeing and shopping we went back to dinner at my absolute favorite restaurant in all of Italy: Aqua Al 2. We met one of Ilana and I's sorority sisters and two of Sarah's, and the ate of use enjoyed a multiple course meal and lots of house wine. I had been telling Teryn about this restaurant ever since we talked about studying abroad in Italy. I went with my family three years ago per the advising of my cousin Caitlin, who studied in Florence. I waited for three years to get the balsamic steak again, advising anybody and everybody to go to this restaurant while they were in Florence. As dinnertime approached, I was nervous I hyped it up too much for my friends. When everything was cleared from the table and we sat there, satisfyingly full, everyone reassured my that my hype was worth it.
We introduced ourselves to our waiter, Velentino, who happened to be our waiter at The Diner, and is a part-owner of both restaurants. We told him we are from Washington, D.C., where the third and newest Aqua Al 2 location just opened. If you aren't lucky enough to eat at Aqua Al 2 in Florence, you better make your way to the DC location. I know that will be one of my first meals back in DC!!
After eating at Aqua Al 2, the rest of our time in Florence pales in comparison. Visiting Florence made me appreciate studying in Rome so much more. In Florence, I couldn't turn the corner without seeing an American girl in yoga pants and sneakers, and I heard much more English on the streets than Italian. Although Florence is considered the most cultural city in Italy (or so says my Italian professor), it felt too small and too American for me. It was a nice break from the bustle of Rome, but I was glad when we pulled in to Stazione Termini.
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