Day 15
We very much needed a day of rest today … Brian twisted his ankle yesterday on the unsteady street right before our Duomo climb and I had boatloads of grading to do. We set out after breakfast to see the Baptistry (part of our ticket for the Duomo experience – cupola, baptistry, museum, crypt, campanile) – always stunning with all of the gold inlay. From there we crossed the Ponte Vecchio (we are just drawn to that side of the city!) and had lunch at La Beppa Fioraia (another recommendation from Debbie and Al – all have been fantastic!) situated in a little neighborhood outside of Piazella Michelangelo. Delicious food, but the wait staff wasn’t very patient with me as I tried to decide what to order … so I went with salad and potatoes (awesome potatoes!!!) We shared a bottle of Rosé since Brian ordered beet gnocchi (with cabbage and bacon) as first course followed by grilled polpo (octopus). We headed home after that so I could grade quizzes and lab reports from Friday and prepare for Monday’s class. Thankfully, I got my midterm written for Tuesday when our next guest (Greg Payne) arrives. Enjoying a quiet Sunday evening at home now.