~firenze~

June 23rd, 2009

Storm, battistero di San Giovanni ceiling mosaic, dinner, and spooky night drive: birthday in Florence.

The work of many unknown Venetian craftsmen dates from 1225. The mosaic cycle depicts the Last Judgment, the rewards of the saved (at Jesus’ right hand), and the punishments of the damned (at Jesus’ left hand).

Do-gooders.

Do-baders. Sorta Hieronymus Bosch-y, no?

The snarky waiters fortify themselves for another night of foisting “traditional Tuscan” starter on every guest.

A giant log of traditional Tuscan starter. The actual menu is quite nice, as is the proprietor.

With a very late start due to work-related bidness, it was not the most raucous of birthdays. The chorus in the gondola floating down the Arno signing “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” was, um, a highlight. Consequently, the kids declared it “birthday week” and carried on into the batless night.