Florence Part 4 - other wonderful sights, and our very unusual hotel

Today we travelled to the Isle of Capri, but sad to say, I didn’t find ‘him’ (Mr Right) in the shade of a tree or even in the bright sunlight whilst I was there . . .  So much for the old song ’Twas on the Isle of Capri that I found her . . .’  Maybe it only works for guys. Oh well. 

Anyhow, I have not yet shown you the incredibly ornate basilica in the heart of Florence, which is a must. This was just a few doors down from the university and art gallery where we saw the original statue of David. Some of the exterior of the basilica is still being cleaned and restored, but it was such a huge, majestic edifice I simply must show it to you. Unfortunately we did not have an opportunity to see inside, but the photos at least will give you a glimpse of this amazing structure. The craftsmanship involved is just superb.

I also wanted to show you a photo of the picturesque river running through the middle of Florence. As well, you simply must see my photo of an amazing new ice-cream and gelato shop down one of the many laneways in the city, which attracts customers with its molten chocolate running down a wall. 

I mentioned in my last post that the hotel we stayed at was ‘funky’. Imagine, if you will, groping your way along passageways to find your room, when the walls and ceilings of said passageways are totally black. Then imagine the door frames being painted in antique gold, and the door to your room painted as a reproduction of an old painting, in dark, sombre tones. Then enter your room and try to not be astonished at the large bright pink-purple coloured tiles surrounding your bed, on each corner of which glows a pink LED light making it look like an alternative universe. Your bed is on a raised platform, and at the foot of the bed there is a bench top, on the other side of which are two tall stools. It turns out that is supposed to be your table. (Being vertically challenged I could not use that at all.) Barely one foot away from that is the door to the small bathroom, which is entirely purple, even the bidet! There is no room anywhere to open your suitcase.   

Now If I were to make one criticism of all the hotels in Italy at which we have stayed, it is that they always have a bidet in the bathroom (who needs that?) while there is no kettle to make yourself a cup of tea or coffee. No - you have to go to the hotel bar and buy one at 5 Euros or so a pop. And if you feel like one early in the morning or as you are going to bed, bad luck. Have a glass of water from the bathroom tap instead. 

Anyhow, back to this hotel. Go down to the hotel entrance and reception area and what do you find? Black plastic chairs moulded so that when you stand behind them you see - much to your surprise, two well-rounded human ‘cheeks’. The chair is shaped like a nude man kneeling down on the floor. I kid you not! And finally, go to the dining room and you find the tables are curved and arranged like a snake, with a continuous coloured light above also curved around like a snake. 

Now is that funky, or not? And that was right in Florence . . . The photos are self-explanatory. My photos of the hotel did not work out very well, unfortunately.