Okay, so I clearly didn’t post the day after. Ah...what are you gonna do? Currently in Lucca (which I will write about next) and thought I’d better jot down a few thoughts about Firenze before they flitter away <insert witty comment bagging my usual state of mind here>.
I had forgotten how much I do enjoy Firenze. Granted I had a VERY nice introduction to the city when I first came here six years ago (swoon....I mean, I love you Andrew??). I think that staying in that B&B in Siena was a bit detrimental to our mental health though. I’ve heard of many places that are natural ‘healing’ places – places that make you feel good. Well, that B&B was a little bit anti–healing and soul sucking, but I didn’t really want to admit it to myself. But it was okay the moment we left.
The hostel we stayed at in Firenze was excellent – Hostel Sampaoli. It is owned by two brothers who I know speak at least Italian, English, French and Spanish. Damn I envy these Europeans! Anyway, the brothers are absolutely lovely and uber–helpful. Upon our arrival we were given a map and within about three minutes had about 20 things circled on said map. Noice.
The first stop we made was at the Duomo. Whilst I prefer Siena’s Duomo (particularly as the inside is a lot more interesting), the one in Firenze is also very distinctive and enjoyable. We ambled down the main drag and stopped in outside the Uffizi so that Tessa would know where to go the next day. From here we wandered across to Ponte Vecchio and mingled amongst the hoardes of tourists milling around.
[I think I’m going to blame my lack of description on the fact that I’ve blogged about this place already. Yeah, that’s it.]
We then walked along the river for a while, enjoying the afternoon sun and the wonderful view of buildings lining the river against a bright blue backdrop rhythmically punctuated by three–footed lampposts and spattered with white fluffy clouds. Ah....can you feel the serenity? ;) Clearly to add to this wonderful feeling we located a gelati place that came highly recommended and added some luscious ice–cream to our afternoon stroll. Yep, great afternoon!
We went back home briefly and then out again and crossed over the river in an attempt to find some gardens to relax in (because apparently we weren’t relaxed enough!) however they all looked like they were majorly uphill so we decided to hang out instead in the courtyard of Palazzo Pitti. Evening was kicking in so we headed to dinner at a small restaurant recommended to us by the hostel and it was AMAZING! I had a small dish of eggplant in goat’s cheese fondue and my mouth was in awesome. Add to that on the way home we had waffles with nutella....what a great food day! J
The next couple of days I didn’t get up to much – spent a lot of time updating stuff and going for nice long sunny walks along the river. Had two other great dinners, but for some reason in Firenze the waiters are not very quick at getting you your bill. At each place we ended up waiting for a longer time than it actually took us to eat. Now, I hear you say that’s not surprising at the rate you eat Mel, because you’re a damn pig. I resemble that comment and I will hear no more of it. However, Tess eats like a normal person, even slowly, and STILL they took longer. Ah well....time to digest I guess.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed Firenze, it gave me my happy back and also time to relax and feel like I had caught up on a lot of stuff. Next stop: Lucca.
XX
Firenze photos.
