Florence

---

Geo: 43.7687, 11.2569

Arrived in Florence after a full day on the train. I found all of the high speed direct trains fully booked so took three trains to get here. Was lovely to see the Tuscan countryside and take a break from walking (although yes I was nervous about the train connections, pickpockets, getting lost, mugged, hijacked, etc).

Arrived at my lovely hotel and skipped straight to the Uffizi Gallery. 430pm = no queues! Fantastic! Made sure I saw all the masterpieces and made out I knew what they represented and ohhhh'ed and ahhhh'ed at the right times. Then needed a prosecco.

Found the Clubhouse where I could have a wine glass FULL of prosecco and buffet appetizers for €6. Outstanding. I think I love Florence.

29 April

Day 2. Checked out the Galleria dell' Accademia. The queue was 100m long so may try that again another time. I have seen the David replica so that may be enough.

Instead I visited the Museum of Photography. There was a special exhibition of work by Brian Duffy, English guy who photographed celebrities of the 60's. Loved it.

I then found a food market at Piazza S Maria Novelli where I had the equivalent of an Italian sausage sizzle, but much classier than Bunnings. Two glasses of vino Rossi to go with and I was skipping home in the rain.

Not one cat to be found in Florence. Very disappointed.

Tomorrow I'm off on a Vespa day trip to Tuscany. Can't wait. Hope it stops raining though.

30 April

Last day in Florence and I joined a Vespa tour in the Chianti countryside. Nine of us were riding Piaggio 50cc scooters with a maximum speed of about 45 km/h. It was a fantastic day.

We stopped for lunch at Villa Le Corti, a winery owned by a noble Italian family with a real prince and his family in residence. I quickly found out he was married with three children so that was a shame - he was quite nice looking. We enjoyed some chianti with lunch after a tour of the plant and barrel rooms.

Unfortunately it rained on the last 20 minutes of the ride home, but it made it even more fun and we all looked a mess.

It's still raining in Florence tonight and doesn't look good for tomorrow. I can't even be bothered going out tonight after coming home wet and cold. Macdonalds for dinner - just a week ago I thought how ridiculous tourists eating Maccas in Italy with so much great food around!

I'll be on my next train leg tomorrow to the Cinque Terra.

---

Photos

David (Replica)
Not the real David. I was too impatient to wait in line.

Comments

[adrian]

You are making me very jealous Tan! If you top all this by also seeing Monica Bertolucci somewhere, I am afraid I won't be able to talk to you again.A x

[G]

I'm really counting down the days now and very envious - Sue is off today so just me left here waiting for my flight to Roma. Can't wait to try your new aperitif - after all it must be good because it's got Prosecco in it!

[celine]

Museum of photography sounds awesome to me.... and Tuscan countryside. You are living the dream girl!!!! Enjpy it for all of us

[Cassandra]

Sensational reading Tania....so lovely to see you having a great time

[ann waller]

Very impressive!!! Just what you need for West Perth. You look very relaxed - your previous motor bike experience probably made you Team Leader.