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Day 1Arrival Work is pretty high stress right now. Designing the module controller circuit and cell monitor circuits for the modbatt batteries. Not too long from now, you will know the significance. But take my word for it for now. I work on this right up until I leave. This is one of the more challenging ones I've ever done - multiple isolated power domains, 400V separation, 50A current, 3D mechanical constraints, mixed digital/analog, And very limited via space due to huge FETs, double sided board and voltage separation requirements. Got it fully routed. now lots of cleanup, DRC, silkscreens, documentation, BOM. will do that on the plane and during layovers.
A brief nap, then drive to airport and fly out. Portland to Chicago uneventful, and I use my United Club pass for free internet, snacks, and sparkly wine. I get the laout finished and mail it off for quotes.
Next flight is from Chicago to Vienna, and the moon stays in pretty much the same spot relative to wingtip for hours. Cool.
Last time I was in Vienna was in late '79, on the way to America. I should actually visit the city again someday. This is just a layover at the ariport.
The next flight, to Florence, takes me over the Alps and entirely different scenery. I've driven through Tuscany before but Florence is a first for me. We shall see what's there to see.
I land at 10:30am. Not much sleep along the way but feeling good, so I guess I don't need sleep. Google says to take the tram, which is a 25 minute ride. Hotel is a 3 minute walk from the final stop, but checkin isn't until 3pm.
I stop by the hotel anyway and surprisingly they let me check in early. Sweet! I don't have to walk around with the backpack. Room is small but cool. And even air conditioned. Up till now there was a heatwave (105F+), today is the first moderate day at 93F. It's supposed to rain soon.
The old city is fairly compact, everything of interest is within a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel. So I start walking. It is fairly crowded. There are tourist markets, sidewalk tables at many eateries. And art everywhere - statues, paintings, and a bit of street art.
Most museums require tickets, and there are specific time slots for entrance. The Duomo is sold out till thursday, so it will have to be on the next trip. Very impressive from the outside, still.
The Accademia gallery does have openings, so at least I will get to see Michelangelo's David. A short wait during which I walk around a bit, then I'm in.
The next few statues below were a surprise to me. Michelangelo's work. Only partially finished, not fully freed from the marble. I find them compelling and relatable somehow, much more so than David.
David is of course impressive. The vision and the work required to produce this from a single block of marble is beyond words.
The gallery has a fairly extensive collection and I spend a couple hours browsing it.
There is a statue of Macchiavelli - he will serve as inspiration for some of the business interactions on this trip :)
Walking by Michelangelo's work on the way out I can't help snapping a few more photos. I will be re-experiencing them as a slide show for some time to come.
After a brief return to the hotel to shower and rest a bit, I head out again. My destination is Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop on the other side of the river with a view of city center. It's about 25 minute walk, with some elevation gain. And much to see along the way.
I take Ponte Vecchio across the river. It's an old bridge that incorporates buildings - the wooden shutters cover what I later realize are jewelry stores.
The other side of the river is far less crowded, although people are still out and about. It's a bit after 9pm at this point.
I finally reach the top of the hill. There is a light misting of rain now which actually feels really good after the long uphill hike. The view is cool.
There is a large fountain/pond complex on the way back down.
I take a different route back, just to see what's there to see.
The bridge looks cool from outside.
Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall, has a number of replica statues around it - including that of David.
I pass by the Duomo on the way back. Fewer people are around now.
Finally back at the hotel - a dinner of biltong that I brought along and a bottle of wine that I bought while walking about. Drinking straight from the bottle because there are no cups. It works. A lot of experiences, and more to come. Tomorrow is business day.
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