Danilo was determined to gain seats under the great dome in order for us to enjoy the sweet sound of the congregation's prayers swirling upward. The mass is also sung in a Gregorian chant. For me personally, I prefer an older style to mass. I feel more connected when traditional prayers are said and traditional songs are chosen. We were able to gain seats right behind the Bishops of Florence. We pretty much had the VIP seats for the Sunday mass before Palm Sunday. As the mass went on, I couldn't help but to sneak a private prayer up to the swirl above us. The great dome seems to mix them together around and around until they have made their way to heaven. Sitting there, the prayers sound like a great bee's nest humming to work. I have to say by far this mass was one of the most spiritual masses I have gone to.
As we made our way back to Hotel Unicorno, I couldn't help but to reflect upon Florence. Florence is an explosion of historical power and art every where you turn. The farther north one goes in Italy the stronger the formalities seem to culminate in government, business and art. The group decided to hike up the 414 stairs of the campanile that accompanies the Duomo. Italians are drawn to campanili as are cowboys are drawn to the call to supper at the ranch. When the bell tolls, it tolls for the people of the city. They know when they are home when they hear "THEIR" bells.
We are a fairly athletic group of students. Who would have known that we would barely make it to the top without an asthma attack. haha. It costs 6 Euros and was a total ass beating but totally worth the view from the top. As we climbed the stairs, an older American lady climbed passed us and announced that today was her birthday and that she is 84 years old. First of all, she looked no older than 65 and second, we were being lapped by an 84 year old. It was both funny but inspiring for many of us because she doesn't let her age get the best of her. When we reached the top of the bell tower we all cut a small video announcing "Hi, my name is Emma and my ass just got beat by 414 stairs." What a sight it was to peer down on Florence and peer out on the Tuscan country side.
Going down the ancient winding stairs was a completely different thing than climbing up. One had to flatten their backs against the round cavity housing the 414 stairs to allow another to pass. Other wise, someone was bound to either tumble down the stairs or up the stairs creating a dangerous event. Rocco seemed to have a small touch of vertigo. He wasn't dealing so well with the passage of others around him going up or down.After the great descent, Rachel, Jenna, Mandy and I decided to go shopping again and then try these great Belgium waffles everyone seems to be walking around Florence with as a snack. I was able to send my little brother, Robert, a post card from Florence as well. As a side note, the waffles.....they gave us two instead of one sandwiched together with Nutella. A diabetic would have died at the sight of it. We had such a laugh at trying to eat them. In the end, we had to toss most of it in the trash bin because it was starting to make us ill.
