Even now...the taxis try to rip you off!

Wow...what an experience. I am always amazed at how the cabs try to rip you off. I don't often take taxis in Italy. I prefer to walk and enjoy the city. That noted going to and from the airport I take a cab, getting from the train station to my hotel, and if I have to get across town in the rain.

Kristen and I picked up a cab on Saturday morning to go from Rome to the airport. We picked up the cab at the piazza at the top of the Spanish steps in front of our hotel. The taxi stand has a sign stating that rides to the Airport are 40,00 Euro and luggage is free. I knew that the rate to get to and from the airport was set by Italy at 40,00. The cab driver placed our bags in the trunk, got in and started the meter. I knew he was going to try to get more out of me than the standard rate. He took the longest way to FCO that I have ever seen, he went through the FCO cab stand to get his ticket, then he dropped us off. The meter read 67,00. We quickly jumped out of the car and grabbed our bags. I went into my wallet and discovered I only had a 50,00 bill. I told the driver the regulated rate was 40,00 and he went into the BS about it being so early, and he placed the bags in the trunk so that changed the standard fare to a metered fare. I gave him my 50,00 tried to get change (knowing that wouldn't happen) and walked away.

Another time in Rome we jumped in a cab from Fiori to get to our hotel at the top of the steps. It was raining and we had a few drinks so we didn't want to walk. As we started to drive away I noted the meter was running with 6,50 on it. I didn't say anything, but when we got to our destination I only paid the delta between 6,50 to 10,00 and just walked away.

Another time in Rome walking from Termini (train station) to the cab stand a guy walked up to Kristen and me and asked if we needed a taxi. I had no intention of taking his ride, but decided to see how bad he was going to try to rip me off. I told him our destination and he offered 30,00 Euro including the bags. The fare in a taxi picked up in the taxi line would only be 15,00 or less so I laughed and walked away. He offered to lower his fare to 25,00.

Taxi Tips:

1. Ask how much the fare will be to your destination before you get into the car.

2. Don't take rides from unauthorized cars at the airports and train stations.

3. Always get in the cab line to insure the car is a real taxi.

4. Pay only the standard fare of 40,00 euro to and from the airport to the center of Rome.

5. If the meter is running just pay the difference between the cost and where the meter started.

6. Pay and walk away. They know they are ripping you off and won't do anything if you pay and walk.

7. Have change so you don't have to give a larger bill. Harder to get change back than pay less.

8. Bag charge is BS. Don't pay it.

Pack light, pack light, pack light

2 weeks in Italy, one carry-on and a backpack! The key to enjoying yourself in Italy is to pack light so traveling isn't a pain. Running through train stations and getting through the airport are so much easier with only a few things. Plus you don't have to check any luggage which is fantastic. I did go a little crazy at REI this weekend. I bought a new carry-on bag, backpack, fleece, and wired camera strap. Oh, I did buy a new travel duffel bag to load with the stuff I buy for the return trip. It comes in its own zip pouch and clips onto my roller bag.

I now have everything I need for a great trip: bags, camera, video camera, hotels, train tickets, fleece, and a well planned itinerary. The only thing left to do is book my reservation for the Accademia, Uffizi, and Borghese.

With only one carry-on bag I am limited to what I can bring so doing laundry is something I'll have to do midtrip. I'll likely cheat and have the hotel do it and pay a premium. I've never liked the idea of wasting time scrubbing my clothes. I don't like it here and I surely won't like it while in Bella Terra.

I'm not sure what I'm most excited about for this trip? Seeing some of my favorite artwork, the food, or seeing K's face enjoying Italy since she hasn't been there before. Probably seeing Italy through her eyes.

Remeber - pack light, only bring what you need, and make reservations at key museums so not to waste any time waiting in line. Oh, if you run out of something Italy has everything you need so don't sweat it.

Santa Maria del Fiori of Florence

When I think of Florence the first thing that comes to mind is the Duomo. In fact, other than the Colosseo the Duomo has to be up there as the most used icon to represent Bell'Italia.

The story of the Duomo is a great one. Florence built their magnificent Duomo as you see it today. The dome was left unfinished because no one had the archictural know-how to complete such a large, unsupported dome.

Florence held a competition...many competed. One architect had the idea to pile dirt for the workers to reach dome as they built it. Then, to get it cleaned out, add coins to it and allow the populace to come in with buckets and retrieve the dirt hoping to get a coin or two. This was quashed.

The artist that ultimately won the work was Brunelleschi. He didn't really have a lot of architectural experience, but his model was the best, offered a free standing, unsupported dome (like the Pantheon in Rome), and seemed the safest due to its double-shelled and ribbed support system.

One of his principle competitors for the work was Ghiberti who recently defeated Brunelleschi for the work on the Bapistery Doors of Florence a few steps away from the Duomo.

Florence decided to give the work to both artists - Ghiberti and Brunelleschi. This didn't last long though.

Brunelleschi worked tirelessly to prove that he should be the one and only architect on the job. He ultimately won his independance.

The know how to create such a large dome was lost to the ancient Romans. Brunelleschi traveled to Rome to study how the Pantheon was built. He climbed on it, sketched it, and used it as a model for his dome in Florence.

Brunelleschi's concept was innovative. He built a dome on top of a dome so the interior would support the exterior, allowing for access for maintenance and cleaning, and the weight of the overall dome would be support across both structures. He also added support ribs. Eight in total. Think of two eggshells one on top of another and you can visualize the concept employed by Brunelleschi.

It is a magnificent sight to behold. Its shadow is believed to cover the whole of Tuscany. When you stand under it you are in awe of its size and beauty.

When it was blessed after it was built Pope Martin V gave Florence a golden rose in honor of the great accomplishement. You can see it in the Duomo museum today. The first mass was given by another Pope after the entire Duomo was complete. This is a great church touched by the hands of many vicars of christ.