Florence & Family

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Florence: 14th - 21st of May 2009

Florence was a completely different destination than all the others because we focused more on family and relaxation than on sightseeing. Upon arriving in Florence we were overwhelmed with the amazing place that Doug's cousins, Antonella and Valentina, had organized for us. We were smack dab in the center of Old Florence. Literally on the Arno River with a view of Ponte Vecchio.

Our first night we headed just 5 minutes out of town to have dinner with Piffi, Elena, Antonella and Valentina. It was great to finally put some faces to the names I have been hearing about. Lively conversation and good company among family made us feel more at home vs. on the road traveling for a year.

Just 2 days later we were able to lunch with Elena, Daniel and Enrico at their country home (which is also just 5 minutes out of town). Once again conversation was flowing, and I felt like I got a lot of family history and amusing stories during a lovely afternoon. Elena and Daniel have renovated some of the old greenhouses on their property and turned them into residential and commercial property. Strangely, some of their residential tenants are a young American family, who we met as they prepared for a garden party on a sunny Tuscan afternoon. It felt a little surreal chatting with our fellow countrymen on that enchanted hill and home outside Florence.

We also cruised around Florence on many different short outings, but we didn't feel the need to do everything and see everything. We hit many of the high points: Michelangelo's David, the Bargello Museum, and the Stibbert Museum (which has an eye-watering collection of medieval body armor - this guy must have been very busy scouring the globe for the thousands of pieces). Not surprising, but I can't tell you how many tourists there were. We definitely felt overwhelmed by this and opted for cooking in and enjoying plenty of down time.

We did venture out for a day trip in true Rayma-and-Doug-style (i.e., doing too much in one day). First we headed to Pisa. I wasn't particularly keen to go at first, but found that I really enjoyed seeing the Leaning Tower (which is leaning a little less these days thanks to a successful technical solution - visitors are once again able to climb to the top), the adjacent church and baptistery.

Next we headed to San Gimignano, which was a lovely town known for its many towers (medieval skyscrapers), most of which are no more, but with enough remaining to get the idea...and also full of tourists. We also attempted to hit a few wineries, but beware if traveling in Italy and wanting to taste wine - every vineyard seems to have their own special day (or half day) for providing wine tasting. Italy is ripe for some small degree of organization so thirsty travelers (like us!) will be able to get in the car and drop by a few vineyards, taste some wine, maybe pick up a few bottles of their faves.

Thwarted, we last headed to Siena. I was really excited to go here, even though we were both showing signs of weariness. The Duomo closed earlier than the guide book said, and I guess it was a testament to our energy level that we didn't overly argue with the staff about the early closing. After this we headed down to the main in piazza in Siena, the setting for the Palio, the famous horse race (as seen in the latest James Bond Film). As senses of humor waned and exhaustion set in, we decided to call it a day and aim the car for Florence.

After that tour, we didn't do much more sightseeing, but definitely rested up, and were able to meet up with both sides of the family one more time each.

So after almost a month of eating pasta, pizza and gellato (most of it very good!) we pointed the car north and took a holiday from the EU...in Switzerland!

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Photos

The Rape of the Sabine Women
Our one and only photo of Florence. We told you it was relaxing.

Comments

[Mary Pelham]

so much fun
Thank-you for sharing your trip. I've just logged in and am overwhelmed thinking of the fun you must be having. love to you both Mary Pelham

[Daddy]

I Really Appreciate.....
I really appreciate the work that you put in writing these reports. they are very good.