Florence, Italy

Tabitha and our good friend Mar got a poster accepted to the IBRO (International Brain Research Organization) conference, based on some work that they did together.  This year it was held in Florence, Italy, so they headed there to present it.  Naturally, David and Mar's boyfriend Adam decided to join them for the weekend as well, only to provide moral support of course.

We found Florence to be a wonderful town.  Similar to Pisa in its Tuscan style, but a bit bigger, and with no end of interesting cultural and epicurean attractions.  Florence was the home of Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri, among others, has an incredible Cathedral, and hosts the best gelato we have ever tasted.

The tombstone of Michelangelo,
in the Basilica di Santa Croce.

The interior of the Basilica di Santa Croce.

Some beautiful stained glass
in the Basilica.

An interesting old hymnal.

The exterior of the Basilica,
demonstrating the traditional Tuscan-style
facade, and a statue of Dante Alighieri.

The massive dome of the
Florence Cathedral. 
You'll see some views from atop
it a few pictures below...

The amazing "Gates of Paradise"
on the Florence Baptistry,
just across from the Cathedral.

The Cathedral facade and bell tower. 
It is really big.

We weren't allowed to take pictures of
Michelangelo's David (absolutely breathtaking),
so you will have to settle for this David
(*slightly* less breathtaking).

Mar and Adam rubbing the Jabali (wild boar)
for good luck in a market in Florence.

A huge Dave, or a small car...

A replica of Michelangelo's David,
among other statues, in the Piazza della Signoria.

On our way to ascend the dome of the Cathedral. 
There is a wonderful fresco on the interior.

Another view of the fresco.

A view from atop the dome.

More Florence from the dome.

And some more.  Here you can see the Basilica di Santa Croce
and Piazza della Signoria from earlier

An archway on top of the dome.

Perseus with the head of Medusa in the
Piazza della Signoria. 
Well done Perseus.

The famous Ponte Vecchio, a bridge over the Fiume Arno
that houses many jewelry shops.

The clock tower in the Piazza della Signoria.