463... steps that is.

463. Yes, Four Hundred and Sixty-Three... steps that is, to reach the top of the Duomo. This morning, bright and early we rushed down to the Santa Maria del Fiore to beat the crowd and began our ascent. The Duomo, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, sits atop the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Brunelleschi defied engineering odds and defined architecture as he designed this dome. Today it remains the largest brick dome ever constructed (in the wooorld).

The climb was exhilarating. You see, when you climb the Duomo you are climbing between the outer and inner shell of the dome. Yes, that's correct, one of the reasons this dome is still standing is because it consists of TWO shells which support the weight of these bricks. We were able to see first hand the many reasons why the dome still exists.... For instance, pictures below show the herringbone brick pattern. Word has it that Brunelleschi created over 200 molds so that these bricks could work together to form the perfect dome. After about twenty to thirty ish minutes of stair climbing, we reached the top. The view was simply breathtaking. The best view in Florence, without question. We were able to see Florence stretched out miles and miles to the Chianti countryside, locate our apartments and our meeting places, and begin to fully comprehend the astonishing feat that Brunelleschi had accomplished. We took our time at the top.. that is, for multiple reasons. Catching our breath and taking in the view, we were in little hurry. Before we knew it an hour had passed and we began our climb back down the Duomo.

A few photos below show our descent. The staircases were a little odd.. please note the extraordinarily steep curve. Can you imagine building this structure in the 1300's?.. safety was a wee bit different back then. Needless to say, we hope you can imagine constructing this dome and appreciate the extraordinary architecture and engineering feat it accomplished.


After reaching the bottom, we decided to go to our favorite restaurant, Cocciolo!! before Collier's class. We all ordered "Bombolinis", (the European version of a filled donut) and drinks.. cappucinos, american coffees, soda drinks, and waters completed our order. Since the beginning of our trip we have been visiting this quaint little place. We are guessing one of the waiters noticed.... after thirty ish mintues of chilllaxing he brought us a free plate of mini Bombolinis!!!!!!! What an amazing way to start to the day!


We'd like to continue sharing a few more of the things Italians do quite differently in this country... here we go.
- When you enter an Italian store, it is kind of you to address the worker with a "Bon Giorno" or "Ciao".

- If you order a coffee, cappuccino, or latte at a restaurant, they charge you more if you sit down. We prefer to order and stand :) Be careful because they always encourage you to sit.

Excerpts from our journals:
" What are we going to do when we no longer average an 8 mile a day walk and continue eating bread, pizza, and pasta for every meal?"

"Do you think they will have a vending machine at the top?" (In reference to a young American girl who was climbing the Duomo behind us. Only Americans would be thinking of vending machines 295 feet up in the air.)

"Welcome to Florence ladies." (The Bombolini waiter who surprised us with our mini bombolinis.. how sweet! Literally :) )


We hope to post on our past weekend in Rome tomorrow. The Sistene Chapel, Colisseum, Roman Forum and our first experience at a church in Italy have yet to be told! This weekend we are headed to Paris. ahhhhh!!! So much to post with so little time, hope everyone is enjoying keeping up with our journey and until our next blog,

Molto Amare,

Jack and Jenn

CIAO!!!