Florence or... East Hastings

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Florence is disgusting. I honestly think downtown Vancouver is cleaner. On the walk to my hostel from the train station I saw not one, but TWO piles of what I am absolutely sure was human feces, and everyone was just casually walking over it and hardly giving it a second glance. The streets are littered with garbage and it is absolutely necessary to breathe through your mouth at all times god forbid you step over a grate or pass a small alley.

I did go and see the Duomo and .... eh. Inside was breathtaking - and HUGE... But it's not really the prettiest structure I've ever seen. I'm more excited to see Siena and all the gothic architecture.

So far - There are only two good things about this place. 1 - The Hostel. So Clean, best shower pressure ever, and they even gave out towels ! Yesss. Thank you work Sarah for recommending. 2 - The shopping... Wow. I spent two hours wandering the market and bartering for pashminas ... (Yes Mom, one is for you.) The streets are lined with shops... I just wish I had an extra bag to bring stuff home in !

So, in order to spend as much time AWAY from this city as I can, I am going to take the bus to Siena tomorrow for the day. Wednesday I'll do the wine tour and then I've booked a night train ride to... Zurich. And then Berlin, and then Paris, and then Nice, and then back to Italy ... I think. I absolutely want to see Venice, and the Amalfi coast here in Italy so I have to make sure I save a couple of days for that. I've already booked my room on the 12th to make sure I have somewhere to stay in Rome before flying out.

I just had an awesome dinner - Bruschetta again ! And an interesting salad with olive oil. Mmm. I thought I would be eating horribly while I am here but I actually think I will have lost a few pounds by the time I get home. I'm just not really hungry... Odd. OH - Interesting fact.... McDonalds in Europe is ridiculously expensive... Like... I actually gasped when she told me the price expensive. And I think they're actually considered classy hangouts here.. Ha.

And for some reason people stopped me to ask for directions like 4 times today... Which made me think I actually look like I KNOW where I'm going... If they only knew.
Anyway -- My schedule may change again but I'll keep everyone updated - Especially you, Dad !

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Comments

[Cam]

you and your McDonalds! glad you're having a great time despite Florence. xo