Florence. Fierenza?

Why is it we give our own names to places locals call something else? If the Italians call it Fierenza, shouldn't everyone?

Whatever you call it, the city grows on you quickly. At first everything seems expensive, and then you find a few bargain spots, then more, and suddenly it doesn't seem so expensive at all.

Is it ever full of sights to see! Something delightful around every bend. I'm not coming close to seeing it all, which makes me happy, since I'll have to come back. And there's the gelato.

Plenty of tourists, for sure. Most of them in large herds, being led by someone hoisting a flag or umbrella, moving purposefully this way or that, like little military squadrons. There are herds of Germans, herds of Japanese, Chinese, Americans. More efficient that way, I guess. They're the ones in long lines you'll try to escape from.

Museo de San Marco
One way to avoid long lines is to head for one of the 'lesser' sights, such as the Museo de San Marco. This 15th-century monastery was decorated with frescos by Friar Angeleco, and others. Price of admission was a bargain at €4 when I went in.

In addition to the amazing frescos, most of which relate to an event from the life of Saint Antonius, there are gilded paintings with fantastic detail, examples of manuscripts hand painted by the monks, frescos within each of the 43 monks' rooms, and a special section dedicated to one of the most infamous residents, Savonarola.

This charismatic monk threw out the Medicis, led the burning of books and paintings he considered heretical, and turned Florence into a theocracy for a bit. Eventually the Florentines got tired of the heavy hand of the religious right wing, overthrew him, and burned him alive. Don't mess with the Italianos!

(They don't allow photography inside, though some were ignorant or oblivious to the many signs posted)

Ufizzi Gallery
Usually there are very long lines at this, the most famous art collection in Florence and one of the greatest rennaisance collections anywhere. You have to book a month in advance to avoid them.

I took Rick Steves' advice and went by an hour before closing...there was no line! Normally I'd have liked to spend twice that long, but it was worth the €11 entrance price.

They're very strict about no photos, but I'll tell you, it's phenomenal. They also have a new section they're just fitting out, and judging by the few that were completed, the lighting is much better. Something to look forward to. I haven't even left Fierenza and I already want to come back.