The trip itself was on what we would know as an interstate highway. There was even a stop halfway at the AutoGrill to use the restroom and get some snacks. The bus itself had no bathroom on board, and I think we’d all say the seats were a little tight when it came to the legroom. But otherwise it was the same kind of bus we’d have on a regular season road trip. The ride itself was full of the ups and downs of the Italian countryside. Some steep grades, some tunnels and some amazing views. Most amazing, I would say, are the towns literally built into the sides of the hills. I guess California would be our most apt comparison as you have so many homes there built onto hillsides. But this was well beyond that. I suppose you could spend days traversing into each of them on your way between Rome and Florence.
Little time was wasted after we pulled into Florence about 1 p.m. Everyone went their own way for lunch and then our walking tour of the main sites of the city started at 2. That trip took us first to the Accademia Gallery, famous for being the home of Michelangelo’s David. Indeed, it was another thing the group probably never thought they would see in person, yet there we all were nearly at its foot. It is a strikingly large sculpture – ole Michelangelo certainly kept himself busy back in the day – and no pictures are allowed. There is actually a small barrier around it, too, as I guess someone did some damage to it some years ago and they decided full access probably wasn’t a good idea.
It should be noted, too, that the trip to the Gallery was another reminder of how EVERYONE notices this group of bigger guys here. There were even some autographs signed on this day, and there have been more than a few requests for pictures with some of the biggest guys – big Mitch and Q are usually the most popular.
From the Accademia Gallery it was on to a parade of churches, most notably the Cathedral here in Florence. It is known for its dome but the entire structure is amazing. The sheer size, the architectural detail on every part – it is a striking landmark in the middle of this city. Another stop on the walking tour was the Ponte Vecchio, better known as the Old Bridge.
After what turned into a two-and-a-half hour tour, it was time to give everyone a few hours of free time to explore or rest up. Another team dinner followed, and again the entire grouped seemed to enjoy it. Fabio certainly has the hookups for all of the hot spots in Italy.
What are we eating at these team meals? Well both have includes your typical antipasto selection of Italian meats, joined by grilled veggies the first time and pate tonight (not sure if the guys knew one of them was chicken liver - not a favorite among the staff at my table, but everyone finished). There has also been a pasta course – carbonara the first night with lasagna and pesto ravioli tonight. Then, a main course – saltimbocca the first night and a steak prepared Florentine-style tonight. Finally dessert, with tiramisu the first night and gelato with fresh fruit these evening. Not bad at all. Fabio has two more team meals set up, including a fish dinner along the sea in Venice on Sunday night.
I think everyone will have a fair amount of the day tomorrow on their own. It sounds like Pisa is on the way to our game tomorrow night, so I believe the Leaning Tower will be a stop on the way. Then it is a very late game – 9 p.m. local time if the other team shows up on time – so Saturday morning might involve a little sleeping in before traveling to the next game on Saturday.
We should have more video here at some point soon, and there are some great pictures. I’ll try to upload a few more at some point, but we should have some great photo galleries upon our return, too.
