"I love my city more than my soul." -Machiavelli

This morning, George casually saved our lives by deciding that having us read hundreds of pages of reading a night was simply not reasonable (we love Gallatin professors with earrings who encourage students to drink wine). That being said, hopefully we will have some more time to, you know, breathe. Today was class in the morning with George (during which we discussed art as the "ought" and politics as the "is," among many, many other things) then down to Firenze to observe the ridiculous work of art that is the city of Florence. Jane (our art history teacher who literally knows everything about everything) took us to many of the piazzas, which are designed by artists and architects to be public spaces in which to bring people together. Of course, being Florence, there were some stops at churches, but the focus today was public space and the articulate artistic detail through the design of the city.

(The Duomo)

(Piazza della Signoria and the Abundance Column)

After class Hannah, Branson and I walked around a bit (making EXCELLENT leather jacket purchases), then it was up to Piazza Michelangelo, for some vino, dinner, and sunset watching.

(Piazza Michelangelo)

(Branson. Hannah. Mio. photoshoot after dinner overlooking the Tuscan sunset)

LONG day. This many pictures will not be happening tomorrow, there's lots to be done before Viareggio this weekend!

Ciao Amori!

Laura