Now there is nothing that quite prepares you for the awe & wonder that you experience when you first see David. There are questions that I imagine we all have about any major piece of art regardless of what or where it is: How big is it, will I be able to see it properly, what if it’s really small & behind glass? I imagine that a huge number of people have seen his image somewhere – tourist statues, fridge magnets, tea-towels, keyrings – the list goes on, but in person. Well, it’s different. There is an air of expectation. As you shuffle into the corridor behind hoards of other tourists, you don’t see him initially. And then. There he is. Waiting at the end. Standing on a plinth so that you are forced into gazing upwards when you finally arrive in front of him. Breath taken away. To think that Michelangelo was only 26 years old when he began carving David is crazy. What talent he had. David was crafted from a piece of marble rejected by other sculptures and yet somehow I think that this adds to the final piece. We spent an hour and a half just sitting and observing the back of David. Constantly seeing another tiny detail – the way the veins are carved, the small of the back, the ankle, the hand. He really is a stunning piece of art. If he could make my friend smile and want to sit for so long – he must be special!

After spending time with David, we head to the Mercarto Central. I imagine a tripe shop was not high on the list of things to see for my friend! Let’s skip past that quickly then…this place is a foodie heaven. Everything you need to cook up a storm. Rice, pasta, meat, fish, herbs, spices, bread…there’s plenty of tasting to be done and we leave with some wild boar salami – we returned a few days later for more sweet treats!

As we stroll along the banks of the Arno, we spotted a rooftop bar – and as the sun is shining, we decide to head up. What a glorious view – the Arno and the Pitti Palace in one direction and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in the other. Prosecco and nuts – yes please! Gazing at the Dome, you can’t help but wonder about the effort and work that went in to creating it. We are reminded of the importance of just sitting and being. Of being In the Moment.