Day Five, Friday:  Onward to Florence with a stops along the way in the town of Padua.  This is a small town that does not get the hordes of tourists and the people seemed very warm and natural.  There was a very peaceful park in the center of town, with statues all around and a fountain in the center.  One of the features of Padua is the Basilica of St. Anthony.  This was a beautiful Basilica and had some of the most striking statues inside.  As many of us will remember it also had the remains of St. Anthony’s tongue on display for all to see. 

Driving through the countryside on the way to Florence was some of the most beautiful scenery you could ever imagine.  This is Tuscany.  Mountains, castles, vineyards, herds of sheep and little towns were everywhere.  This was a very enjoyable drive.

Upon our arrival in Florence we went to the Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.  We had a group photo (home page) taken by a professional photographer.  Then to the Hotel Mediterraneo, located on the Arno River.  This convenient location allowed us to walk into the city and find our way back easily, which is what we did that afternoon and evening.  This is a city full of the most beautiful art in the world.  Home of two of the most celebrated artists the world has known.  Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, ironically both alive at the same time in this historic and beautiful city.
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Day Six, Saturday:  Toured the museums and churches of Florence extensively today.  We toured the Museum of Accademia which houses several of Michelangelo’s works including The David.  Also the Basilica Santa Croce containing the tombs of Michelangelo, Dante and Galileo among others.  We had free time to walk the streets loaded with priceless works of art, buildings, the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge, lots of local artists, mimes and great shopping and food.

But, in the world’s most beautiful city, based on the majority of shear numbers, the real highlight was going to the disco after dinner.  Ear throbbing dance music until late into the night.  Shoes too painful to dance in.  Did that stop us?  You’re kidding right?

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March 24 - April 2, 2008
The Trip of a Lifetime
Ridgewood High School Italian Class Goes to Italy 2008
I was walking home from the Disco at about 1 am and couldn't resist taking this picture.