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The official group photo! Today’s coach ride was comparatively a short one! We picked up Thierry (and dropped off Charlie) at the campsite, then headed to Florence. We took maybe ten steps out of the coach before the rain started! I’m not talking sprinkles, I’m talking an absolute downpour! The best part is that Paul had just said the rain will hold off! Ha ha, um, NO! Of course, as soon as the rain began, there were little guys running around trying to sell us umbrellas for 5 Euro. I was already soaked, so I didn’t buy one. It was funny, those of us who didn’t get one looked like drowned rats at the leather demonstration.
The leather demonstration was pretty boring. Once we were done learning about how we could tell fake from real leather, we were let loose in the city. Since it was still rainy and blah, a few of us took the time to eat and stay out of the rain! I had some basil pasta and veggies, which was pretty good. It was nice to get some veggies in me! Anyway, we started wandering again once the rain tapered off. What we found is that Florence is a beautiful
Florence
View from the market. city! The views are amazing, breath-taking, really! There were so many huge, beautiful statues in the middle of the city. They weren’t even in courtyards or anything, they were just right next to the street! There were so many little squares to explore. There was a gorgeous shopping area on a bridge over a lovely river. The Duomo there was immaculate.
Bel and I did some shopping after we saw the sites. She is such a great girl. I really enjoying hanging out with her! Shopping wise, we have very similar tastes. That’s nice in terms of shopping, so I don’t have to pretend to look at clothes I’m not really that into! Yay! I found a cute jacket, so I was happy!
After a wet start, the day ended up being a nice one. It was sunny and lovely by the time we were done traipsing around the town. We hopped on our bus and proceeded to our hotel. While on the bus, there was a rumor swirling around that we were going to be getting a new tour manager for the remainder of the trip. Paul told us it was true and that he was going
Buildings
Lovely architecture in Florence. to be replaced by a hot blond girl. So we were all freaking out that he was leaving us…and it ended up being a bad joke, the brat.
We got back to our hotel, got cleaned up, then headed up to get an amazing view of Florence. It was nearly sunset, and we got our group picture taken. The whole city of Florence was sprawled out behind us, making a gorgeous backdrop for the photo. I can’t wait to see it!!!
We had an amazing optional tonight…By far the best optional we’ve had! We had a traditional Florentine dinner. We were treated to a traditional dinner with great food, tons of wine, and lovely entertainment. We were greeted by three men playing violins and cellos and welcomed us with a light cocktail. Once we were seated, we were treated to huge jugs of wine that were on our table. There was an emcee per say for the night, who played the piano and sang numerous traditional songs. While we were being served dinner, a woman stood up and sang opera music to us, beautifully. The musical trio that greeted us came back out and played more lovely music
Duomo
It was huge and beautiful. to us. By the end of the night, we were all well fed and ¾ drunk! The emcee had us all singing to “That’s Amore” and dancing to the Chicken Dance. It was funny to see all of the Contiki groups there carrying on together. It was nice to meet some new people. I almost forgot - today is Paul’s birthday! We bought him a beer stein when we were in St. Goar, and we also got him a huge card. We had his birthday announced in front of everyone at the dinner. He was quite pleased and surprised when we gave him his gift!
We left the dinner and went on our way to the Space Electronic Disco. As I mentioned, we were all pretty drunk by the time we were finished with dinner. The ride to the Disco was one to remember! Paul played the Day Song (No Tomorrow, by Orson), and we were all up in the aisles dancing and having a blast! Ryan started stripping to “I’m Too Sexy,” and we all saw more of him than we wanted! It was the best bus ride of the trip - we were all drunk, singing, dancing,
Statue
Beautiful statues in Florence. and jumping around like idiots…on the coach! Ha ha!
We arrived at Space and were each given a drink card. You don’t have to pay for anything while you’re there. It’s definitely different. All you do is give the bartender your drink card, and he will punch it accordingly. You cannot leave the club until you show your card (and pay your tab). It’s an interesting concept, it would just suck to lose your card and have to pay even if you didn’t drink!
Anyway, as soon as we arrived, Paul did karaoke to “Brown Eyed Girl” since it was his birthday. He was funny, and entertaining, of course. Jesse and I attempted “Love Shack,” which wasn’t great considering he didn’t even know the words! Bless his heart, he tried!
The club itself was huge! There was a huge dance floor upstairs, and a huge lounge area downstairs. I danced for a while, then Peter, the guy from dinner, found me and we went downstairs to the lounge area. We just sat on the couches and chatted forever! Apparently I missed the bikini contest (Bel and Sophie entered, but didn’t win). The music in the club was
Fun
TM Paul, Bel, and I great, the company was fun, and I was half pissed from all the wine we drank at the show! James was infinitely messed up. I don't know if he was slipped something or what, but WOW. We ended up taking him back to the hotel early because he had no idea what was going on!
I ended up getting locked out of my room (yes, again). So I stayed with James and Jesse. Jesse passed out as soon as he walked in the door, and James did shortly after I got into the room. It was a crazy night!!!
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