On route, we passed a crochet shop that was unfortunately closed and we passed through the local market, Sant'Ambrogio Market. This was mostly a fresh fruit and vegetable fare.
We were able to take some photos with Stefano but have selected not to include these in this public blog as the photos were taken inside the barracks walls.
Stefano was unable to take us to his office as it was currently being relocated from one building to another, an event that appears to happen when new governing chiefs come into the regional office.
We were fortunate enough to have an espresso and cornetto (a type of croissant) with Stefano at the cafe on base. This base was very busy and followed the always confusing (to us) method of purchasing and having your purchase. In this instance, Stefano went to the cashier and ordered the coffee and advised we also wanted three cornettos, of which we pointed to in the case and they were handed to us directly in a paper napkin.
All three of us then ate our cornetto whilst trying to find a place further along the bar where the barista was making continual espressos. Basically at this point, from what I could gather, Stefano waited 'til those before had been served and then, in turn, told the barista our order again.
It appears to be an honesty system and this is not just because we were in a barracks, it also happens in bars (coffee shops) in civilian life too.
After our release from the barracks, we then walked along the banks of the river Arno and passed over the Ponte Vecchio but not without stopping for another coffee at one of our favourite coffee places, Cafe Mingo. We like this bar as it is a no-fuss place and is accommodating to us tourists who don't necessarily know the correct procedure of ordering and collecting drinks, also we have never been charged for the pleasure of sitting at the tables.
The Ponte Vecchio is an amazing bridge and has numerous jewellers perched either side of it.
From here it was along Via de' Guicciardini toward Pitti Palace. Our last visit to this palace was back a few years ago wherein Summer we spent most of our time in the gardens. I understand the Ufizzi Gallery has more famous works of art, but I much preferred the visit to the Pitti Palace.
The palace is made up of different sections on multiple floors and the art is in its original location where the Medici family would have also viewed the artworks. Also in this palace is much of the furniture that would have been used by the Medici.
After a walk back over the Ponte Vecchio, we stopped off to drop a coin in the well with the boar and then continued to Piazza della Repubblica where we watched a man making bubbles for the children.
After a short rest in the Piazza, it was over to Museum of Opera of Saint Maria of Fiore (Museum of the Duomo).
This was a new and modern museum showing many of the features from the Duomo that have been removed to save them from the elements. It also covered how the Duomo was constructed. The museum was very interesting, had an app that could be used on the smartphone and provided free WiFi with the entry. We both found, however, it was a little confusing to navigate around the three floors and we did need assistance from one of the employees.
With this ticket, we also gained entry to the Baptistry, which we had never been into before. Currently, it appears that the inside is in a state of restoration, which is good and required.
After that full day, we stopped by the local Conad (supermarket) and got some supplies (wine), then returned to our accommodation, typed out the blog and had a little rest.
Before dinner, we took in the lights from and around Ponte Vecchio.
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