June 9 Florence, Italy

While I seem to be doing better, Shar is worse and is unable to go out, so I am on my own today.  My first stop is to a pharmacy to describe her symptoms and get some medication for her.  Amazing how we were able to get medicine from a pharmacist in Italy when we would have to have a physician prescribe it here.

While I was out I bought a tie for my father, Italian silk, and then returned to the hotel with the meds.

On my next trip out I went to the Piazza della Signoria.  Our hotel was near the Ponte Vecchio so everything was pretty close by.   I visited the 14th century Palazzo Vecchio.

By Zolli [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
The Little Studio of Francesco I was 'fantastic'.  Or so I said.  See for yourself below

The palazzo now serves as the Town Hall of the city.  A far cry from the Town Hall I worked in. 
I climbed to the top of the tower, of course. 
The plaza has a copy of the statue of David, along with other works.

By Massimo Catarinella [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons

I was more impressed with the statues in the Loggia.  Perseus with the Head of Medusa stares straight at David.

The sculpture I remember best is The Rape of the Sabine Women.

Thermos assumed (based on copyright claims). [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

I saw the Fountain of Neptune.

By Davide Taviani (Flickr) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

I must say that Italy had some exquisite fountains.  I spent the rest of the afternoon window shopping.

I spent $5.08.  Cheap tie I guess.