Plethora of leather

Today was a day of leather, but that's not all! We began the morning of our third day in Fiorenze with a lovely breakfast at the hotel. Next we were off to the Cappella di Benozzo Gozzoli at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the private residence of the Medici family. Cosimo de'Medici commissioned the artist Benozzo Gozzoli to paint frescoes on the walls. As the subject matter he chose the procession of the Magi. The chapel had no windows and was completely surrounded by fresco on all walls. The illustration also includes Medici family members in the guise of the Magi, as well as prominant family friends as other characters. A snapshot of the fresco can be seen above.

Then Lisa got an idea--Lets get gelato! Nevermind that its not even noon yet. Besides, my philosophy is if the gelateria is open, then it can't be wrong. :) So, we made our next destination Vivoli--quite possibly the best gelateria in all of Tuscany! After a little refreshment, we were off to see one of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures, the David at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Photographs are prohibited but would basically look like the one I have posted here. The David is an amazing scuptural work, with nearly perfect human proportions, except for the hands which are dramatically too large.

In the afternoon we had migration class in the cute classroom all the way across town. And afterwards more free time which many of us chose to spend at Charm 2, a cozy local leather shop. Fortunately Lisa is good friends with the owner, and all her students were able to snag a good deal! All in all about 10 people purchased leather goods--everything from handbags, to coats, to messenger bags. We all look so fashionable now :) Thanks Lisa!

Ciao, Jennifer