Florence |

From the beautiful blue waters of the French Riviera, we wound our way to the top of the hills to cross the border into Italy. The landscape changed as soon as the bus drove through the border into the countryside of Tuscany, and we were greeted with lush green trees surrounding quaint houses with the distinctive terracotta roof, nestled in sloping hills that resembled giant steps in the mountains.

Piazza di Santa Croce 

 

the Duomo | Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

Our day in Florence was jam-packed with activities. We started with a walking tour, run by a local guide who took us around to the key tourists spots such as the  Piazza di Santa Croce (where famous Italians including Michelangelo and Galileo are buried) and the main church duomo in Florence. The exterior of the duomo was so intricately detailed that it took my breath away. I can't imagine how they would have hoisted up those statues into the walls all the way back in the 13th century. Just amazing. 

The smaller replica of the statue of David outside the Museo di Palazzo Vecchio

 

We also walked past the Loggia dei Lanzi, where we marveled at sculptures from the Renaissance. Here are my two favourite, I forgot what they were called but the one on the left depicts a man conquering another man and taking his daughter, while the one of the right depicts the slaying of Medusa and reminds me so much of the term "savage beauty". 

In Florence, we got our first taste of the hottest Italian summer in 10 years, with temperatures in the high 30s and a very strong sun giving us that signature Italian tan. Of course, hot weather calls for GELATO! This was one of many gelato shops we found in Florence with super tempting gelato piles. I tried the traditional lemon and melon flavours, a balance of sour and refreshing sweet. It was absolutely delicious. 

On the subject of absolutely delicious, I had my very first cup of Italian espresso, served in a tiny cup that one holds with the tips of the fingers. First taste was amazing but after that I found it to be too bitter. Also apparently in Florence, you order cappucinos in the morning up til 11am and then espressos after that. If you order a cappucino after 11am, people will laugh at you!  

Lunch was at FrancescoVini, with the best seafood linguini that I will remember forever. It sounds simple, but it was the way they cooked the pasta (al dente to perfection) and the freshness of the seafood that made this so memorable. If I could afford it, I would fly back to Florence just for that pasta.  

Our time in Florence was way too short and I never got to see the real statue of David, or rub the nose of the warthog that apparently "takes" you back to Florence. But, I did find a Firenze scarf, a murano glass ring and a leather coin purse that will accompany me for the rest of my travels. 

Travel tips: 

When you're in a crowded area in Florence, watch out for pickpockets! Best to have nothing in your pocket, zip your bag, always make sure that your bag is in front of you and you have your hand on it. 

Also, take a walking tour with a local guide. Florence is the perfect size for walking and the Italian accent makes everything seem more fascinating! 

Next stop: Rome

xoxo