Katie was really excited about this particular visit since her Great-Grandfather fought in WWII and still to this day speaks to elementary, middle, and high schools about his experiences during the War. He just turned 89 in March and is as active as ever.
Katie said that the tombstones were overwhelming and very moving. She could not believe that so many lost their lives protecting our country.
After leaving the American Cemetery Katie got to pay a visit to the Accademia Gallery, which houses undoubtedly the most famous sculpture in the world…..Michelangelo’s colossal statue, David.
Katie said the sheer size of this sculpture shocked her. She said seeing it in a textbook is nothing like seeing it in person. She said it was 16 ft high and the details were unbelievable and of course in her words…”Mom…some parts of “David” were too detailed” and of course being a mother of a teenager I knew exactly what she was speaking of. Does anyone notice how huge his hands are?? Seriously I have to look that up...they are not normal size.
Before their next stop they ate lunch in Florence at Trattoria Anita. She ate Pasta with Boscaiola Sauce (mushrooms, tomatoes, ham, onions), Risotto with Asparagus, and Gelato (Italian Ice Cream). I’ve already told you that she loves all food in Italy so you know she devoured these dishes!
After refueling, their guide took them on a walk through the city of Florence. One of the sites she got to see was the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral).
It is well known for its distinctive Renaissance dome. It’s name ("Saint Mary of the Flower-in English") refers to the lily, the symbol of Florence (I wonder if she thought of her sister..hmm).
Just across from the Duomo Katie got to get up close and view the bronze doors to the Baptistry, known as the Gate to Paradise.
These panels are copies; the originals, cast in bronze and gilt by Lorenzo Ghiberti over 27 years, can be seen a Florence museum (I think). The doors show scenes from the Old Testament of the Bible as well as heads of prophets, sybils [female prophets] and even the door creator Lorenzo and his father [bottom-center, left and right]. 
Michelangelo referred to these doors as the 'Gates to Paradise' and they are still known by that name today.
As in the current Duomo [this building was the previous Duomo], the images depict the Last Judgment [visible on both sides of Christ] with some particularly gruesome pictures of evil folk [bankers, politicians etc.] being tortured in hell. I can’t wait to for our dinner conversations when she gets back!
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