Michelangelo's David @ Galleria dell'Accademia
Dan & Yvonne @ the Isolotto in Boboli Gardens
By some miracle, Dan woke up early again to catch another group run at 8am. Same leader, more people (~10 runners) and we ran the other direction down the Arno River towards Corsini Gardens. After the run we grabbed breakfast at Ditta Artigianale which is a coffee shop that Dan really wanted to try. Really great coffee and food, also our first savory breakfast in what felt like forever. Then began the arranged activities for the day. Yvonne, Dan, and Labe all joined in on the tour of the Uffizi Gallery and entrance to the Galleria dell' Accademia to see Michelangelo's David. Those were both a lot to do in one afternoon. We could only hit the high points of each gallery, but it was all super impressive. We wrapped up late in the afternoon and then got some rest back at our place. It wasn't too long before we had to get ready for the black tie event at Boboli Gardens.
Dan & Yvonne in front of Cypress Lane @ Boboli Gardens
Dan & Labe @ the Isolotto in Boboli Gardens
We arrived at the gardens and it was spectacular. The Boboli Gardens are often considered one of the greatest gardens in all of Italy and it sure did not disappoint. We had cocktails on the Isolotto (small oval shaped island in the gardens) and the moved in the Limonaia, which is a large structure used to store lemon trees in the winter. There are probably just too many amazing things to describe from this night. Obviously the gardens and the location were all amazing in their natural beauty. Ben and Isabel had a grand entrance walking down a tree-lined hill into the Isolotto where they were greeted by the entire party. We spent a couple of hours there before moving to the dinner. The work they did to transform this barn-like tree-storing building into an amazing dinner setting was unbelievable. It was one long run of tables that were enough to fit more than 500 people. The tables were filled with fresh fruit and cheese as the centerpieces. We enjoyed a great meal and got to spend time and catch up with some really great friends. The night was capped off by a great live performance from a french band, The Gypsy Queens. They had a cool concept where they were able to move around and just perform in the crowd. So everyone was able to dance and sing around them as they moved throughout the party. Once the party wrapped up at the gardens, Dan & Yvonne joined part of the crowd for an after party at a nearby bar/club. We have no idea when we got home that night, but it was a pretty awesome and unique experience
Walking home through the empty streets of Florence