After six active days, it was good to have an easier day without climbing but we still walked over sixteen thousand steps. The difference between Rome’s hustle and Florence’s Tuscan tranquility was refreshing.
Farewell Rome! On our way to the train station, we passed the Basilica of Saint Mary Major where the most recent pope was buried.While waiting at the station, I picked up our souvenir Starbucks mugs, where the short queue was being disrupted by a robotic floor cleaner! I loved the name “Eataly” where we grabbed refreshments – the chain started in Turin.We enjoyed the view of the countryside as we whizzed through by train, but it made me yearn to go walking in Britain.It was a ten minute walk from the central station to our apartment where we could drop our bags. We had to learn to avoid the trams while not getting our wheels stuck in their tram lines.Florence felt much more welcoming than RomeWe soon found some sites with many of the old buildings decorated in a similar style.The piazzas felt empty compared to Rome! We were visiting mid morning and by mid afternoon they were full.It was cool how they covered the renovations with material to show what the underneath would look like.In the subway by the station, “train lines” on the floor took you to your desired exit. Cool!We found the central market with meat from rabbit to tripe on sale.The man selling pork sandwiches was entertaining and gave away some tasty samples. Janet, Jett, and Peter bravely ordered sandwiches while Bailey settled for a bruschetta. The sandwich had lots of other difficult-to-identify things in it and was a bit much!We perused the busy leather market just outside the food market but it wasn’t our scene. We preferred finding a convenient wall to sit on and people watch.Janet’s research had identified local food specialities to eat in each city. One Florence specialty was coccoli, fried pizza dough, that could be filled with ham and cheese. They were like a savory doughnut and yummy!We wandered around the city checking out a few sites and piazzas. It was a relaxed afternoon.I loved their pedestrian crossing lights. Not only was the man green (unlike white in the US), there was a countdown!This squashed car looked perfect for driving and parking in Italian cities.At 3pm, we could check into our apartment which was fantastic. Our hostess Sarah and her fiancé had done most of the renovation themselves. It had three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a jacuzzi tub and a garden terrace. There was a fancy coffee machine and Sarah left us a bunch of fruit and local treats. We very much enjoyed relaxing at this place.
Our plan for the evening was to catch the sunset over Florence and the River Arno. It was a couple of miles walk through town then up a hill, and the suggestion of a taxi was welcomed by all. It was easy to grab one and soon we were in Piazza Michelangelo.
Paninis were the next food on Janet’s list and reviews praised this food stall.The food stall owner was very friendly and the paninis were fantastic. The ham was some of the best we have ever tasted.We got some cool photos as the sun descended and the crowds formed. There was live music but the real entertainment was watching some wannabe instagrammers.The sunset did not disappoint.
We left before the crowd so we could catch the last taxi at the taxi stand. Our driver’s reaction to other drivers in a traffic jam entertained us as we heading “home” for a great Florentine sleep.
"Cajunlimeys" combines Lousiana (Janet) and England (Peter). For "limeys," check out scurvy in the English navy.
We love adventures and use blogging to write a photo diary to preserve our memories. Some crazy friends enjoy following us and my notes might help others plan.
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The Adventures of the Cajunlimeys 