We had pre booked our tickets for the Uffizi gallery and made our way there to check out where we needed to pick them up. What we found was a long line with everyone holding their email confirmation of their tickets. This place is so popular most book ahead for a time to enter the gallery as we had done. On all the websites they say pre book or you won't get in which is mostly true but what they don't say is you have to que anyway. I walked up to the end of the line to make sure we weren't going to wait in vain and the guy was working his butt off trying to explain in 3 languages that everyone had to go to the back of the line and wait for their entry time. This seemed difficult as the line was moving slowly and it was long. People were very upset as all the websites indicate you don't have to wait for hours if you pre book. As we got closer to the door we worked out what was required. You had to line up but when your time was up e.g. our tickets said 12.30 entry then and only then you would be allowed to enter the cashier room and be given a ticket. Then you had to go over to the other side to the entry point and line up there to get into the gallery. In typical Italian style there was only one guy on the ticket line explaining this to everyone but at no time did he loose his temper. I had to take my hat off to him, as I would have lost it. All they need to do is to place staff along the line to tell everyone which time slot was allowed to enter. Anyway we finally got on the line to enter and noticed a sign for the line of people who hadn't pre booked and the wait was 3 hours. I guess pre booking is still the way to go even if we waited 45 min.
The gallery was fantastic and we really loved seeing so many workers of art and statues, its a bit overwhelming. The gallery holds works from Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, works from Tuscan, Sienese and Florentine schools to name just a few. After what felt like a marathon we finished our visit and collapsed into a cafe chair to rest and eat lunch. We noticed lots of entertainment happening and things being set up and found out that 30 April is the Notte Bianca Firenze which stands for White Night and the celebrations go from 6pm until 6 am. It was great though seeing all the bands playing and things set up for children as well. One of these was a set of swings with bells attached at the top. When the kids swung the bell would ring so you can't imagine the noise. It seemed like the more noise you could make in the city that night the better. Anyway we decided we wanted to enjoy the event so we decided to stay overnight and found a room in a section of Florence which had lots of small hotels and hostels for students. Anyway we hadn't brought our passports with us so it took a bit of arranging but the lady Maria gave us a room. We went out and brought toothpaste and toothbrushes, well what else do you need. Had a fantastic eggplant parmigiana and bottle wine so we were in the mood to party. We lasted u Gil just after midnight as we had got up early to get to Florence.
The next day a lot of shops around us were closed but Maria gave us breakfast and told us we needed to leave as the authorities check hotels to make sure everyone is registered. It was fun being illegal. We walked over to Ponte Vecchio and onto the Pitti Palace. We found the gallery closed but the gardens open for free. I think the 1st May is a public holiday in Florence as it felt like a Sunday where everything closes and families spend time together.
The next surprise came in the sound of a marching band and as we walked up to one of the main streets we saw a parade just about to start with flag wavers, bands, people in period costumes and crowds starting to line up. It was great fun to watch and then we headed off to catch our train back to Cetona and our own apartment. A good day had by all.
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