Michelangelo's "David"

Travel Tip: If you ever plan a trip to Italy, make sure Florence is on your itinerary!

On our second and last day in Florence, we saw more amazing sights! First thing in the morning David Peck and I walked to the Baptistry to record an introduction. David stood in front of the golden Gates of Paradise. Inside, an unbelievable mosaic is presented to the visitor. Dante, at the age of eleven, was present in the Baptistry when the mosaic was unveiled. His thoughts at the time later provided the inspiration for his Divine Comedy.

As a group we then walked to the Academy where we were able to look at Michelangelo's statue of David. This is an awe inspiring and imposing piece of art! Being able to sit and view it from several different angles provides the viewer with a great experience. While sitting and viewing it from the angle seen in the photo below, Terry Gorton came and sat next to me. He asked me my opinion on what was the most impressive part of the statue. I replied that the overall definition of items like the muscles and veins most impressed me. Terry mentioned he thought the eyes really said a lot. In those eyes you can see David sizing up Goliath and is silently sending a message to the giant thorough his eyes.

Lastly we walked to the chapel of Santa Croce where we were able to see the tombs of Galileo, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo. There is a statue to Dante and many think he is entombed there as well, but that is not the case.