Florence

Day 4 on the Via di Francesco

Today was a day to pause, prepare and relax. As I lay waking up I decided that all I ‘had’ to do that day was to go to the Basilica de Santa Croce, pray and get my credential stamped. The rest of the day was free.

It was interesting seeing the place where I was staying in the light of day. Last night by the time I arrived I just headed straight to bed. The others in my dormitory of four were already in bed so I didn’t want to put the light on. It was formerly a religous house, part of which has been repurposed for a secular hostel. There were some frescos still visible in places.

I set out about eight o’clock to have a wander around. I headed to the river to get my bearings and then set off to sightsee. There was a bit of light rain so wasn’t perefect but good nevertheless. It seems most tourists are not out and about so early so it was quite quiet. I checked out the Ponte Vecchio, walked past the Uffizi and eventually ended up at Santa Croce just as it was opening.

My experience praying here was quite mixed. I explained what I wanted and then went to a grumpy attendant who stamped my credential (upside down), and then radioed for another attendant who escorted me into the space reserved for prayer. There was very strict segregation, perhaps it was just me but they seemed very concerned I shouldn’t see anything I hadn’t paid for.

Thankfully I was able to focus and said Morning Prayer and my Community Obedience then spent time thinking about my pilgrimage. I did feel a bit overwhelmed by what I had taken on and really had to battle for some time to achieve some peace.

I decided to find a supermarket to find some food which I did and then sat in a small sqare in the sunshine having brunch and people watching which is always a favourite occupation.

I then set off to try and be a tourist, though by past experience I thought it unlikely I would be very succesful. It seems that when I am on pilgrimage I am so focussed I can’t concentrate on anything else. Florence is certainly beautiful with awesome architecture. I love the way buildings are decorated and built to show beauty though I suppose it was to demonstrate the power and prestige of the owners too.

By this time the tourists were out in force, so many lines following guides, the biggest queue ever for the Uffizi Gallery and crowds everywhere. I hadn’t booked to visit anywhere. I remember my experience on the Camino de Santiago trying to focus on art appreciation and failing. I did take a picture of one of the replica statues of David but in the end wandered further to escape the crowds.

I did muse about whether it mattered how much was authentic or restored this was when I was looking around the Ponte Vecchio. I also mused about the shops surrounding the centre especially the tourist bits. I find it difficult to see so much wealth, I am glad I am aspiring to a simple life. To be honest the highlight of this wander round Florence was the exquiste and decious gelato. No picture I was too busy enjoying it.

Then it was back to the hostel for a nap. After all this is the mediteranean and I was still really tired. Two hours later I woke up and was able to complete my journal do some Right to Roam admin and then type up my reflections for the previous two days.

To be honest I wasn’t intersted in heading out for the night life of Florence, it was raining and it was just not me. I had a reasonably early night. On balance a day in Florence was more than enough for me every time I looked up river I could see the hills and they were calling me.