trepidation, unfortunately there were two casualties with Justine and Carmel seeking other ventures like sitting on the steps of the Doumo to people watch and fight of the gypsies who were seeking money. Back to the climb, with some trepidation Chris and David started the ascent of the Campanile Tower and within no time, probably 50 steps, started sweating and considering the merits of such a climb, though by halfway we were at the first landing and it didn't seem quite so difficult with many photos taken. The balance of the climb was tougher with even more sweat being raised on the brow and a tighter stairway which narrowed as you got higher and also included other people descending the climb -who in some case looked shattered - which made Chris and David look at each other in silent contemplation. Needless to say the Tower was conquere
d, numerous photos taken and deep breaths had and then a full on descent back to terra firma and walking around the piazzas. It was only then we noticed th ambulances parked in the piazza for any casualties ...Lunch was had to revive the weary group and to assess the merits of a climb up the Duomo dome which is another 450 steps up. A bit of carbo loading and confirmation from the Carmel and Juss that they had other more impotant things to do like shopping in the piazzas that are famous for leather goods and other artistic products including glass jewellery from the island of Murano in Venezia.
This climb was easier, though the stairways were considerably narrower and sharing the staiways up and down with other people and backpacks was difficult to say the least and resulted in considerably more sweat on the brow. Though from the pictures , you may get the same feeling that we had and that is was well worth the effort.
We had one more climb for our last day in Florence and that was to the Michaelangelo Piazzale which is high above the city and takes 30 minutes to climb, needless to say we went there by taxi!!!! Our time in Florence is now at an end and we have truly enjoyed this city, its views climbs, musenums , churches and our B&B which has provided us with 5 star views and great accommodation, thought only scant contanct with the phantom Nadia who is our host.
Ah-ha! I have done at least one feat of physical exertion that my sis hasn't (probably the only one, but I'll take my triumphs where I can). I remember the Duomo climb and all the very serious warnings at the bottom about people with heart conditons not attempting it. They didn't say anything about people who stopped and swore at regular intervals. I was very glad of the occasional gallery or little room that gave me a rest. The bit that freaked me out was the bit right at the top where you are inside the curvy bit at the top of the dome and you have to walk on an angle, then do the last bit by ladder. It looks as though you had a clear day, though, which makes it worth it. We didn't do the Campanile, just admired from the outside. How many photo cards have you filled, I wonder? Mel
ReplyDeleteMum sounds like you and Carmel had the right idea. I remember climbing up the Campanile Tower but I think it would have been much easier with less people and only about 14C!
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