Day 7- Florence
We took our bus to Florence for the last leg of the trip. We stopped at another lovely rest stop and I got some gatorade which can help with hydration during travel. Once we arrived in Florence, we walked to our hotel and Anna had a fabulous recommendation for a sandwich shop and scarf shop called Torre D'Arte. She was heading that way and invited people who wanted to check out those places to follow her, which I did. I had a pistachio, mozzarella and ham sandwich which was nutty, smokey, and creamy all at once. I also bought one of the lovely scarves. Later, Ashley and I walked around with another lovely couple that we had gotten to know well. We explored all around Florence, taking in the beautiful scenery and architecture. Then we started our walking tour through the city and finished with the Acadamia. I was simply in awe at Michaelangelo’s David sculpture. It was so much bigger than I imagined and I loved learning the history of how Michaelanglo made it.
Later, we met to visit Caterina Balletti's studio for a painting demonstration which was one of my favorite memories from the tour. It was so nice to meet and talk with an artist. After visiting Balletti’s, we went to Mercato Centrale which, in my mind is the most amazing food court ever. I went with a lovely couple and Ashley to the market and had pizza (of course) with tiramisu. I had such a lovely time chatting and people watching. |
Day 8-Florence |
On our final full day of the trip, we met early for the Uffizzi. The main hallway was empty of people which was rare and we were able to take some beautiful pictures. It was pretty amazing to look everywhere and see artwork.
After Uffizzi, we had a free afternoon so I Went to the Boboli Gardens with two amazing couples from our tour and Ashley. We had a peaceful time looking at the views of Florence and seeing the beautiful gardens. It was a lovely way to spend our last day together. The six of us had lunch together and I enjoyed some risotto. We were all grateful for this tour and meeting each other. It was just a lovely afternoon. After a late lunch, I went by myself to the Duomo Chapel, museum, and the bell tower. They were fabulous sights and I could take 1,000 photos of the Duomo and never get bored. It is just magnificent. Ashley and I were going to meet at the bell tower after she went up the Duomo. Her trip took longer than expected and funnily enough she saw me waiting for her at the bottom of the bell tower while she was at the top of the Duomo and took a picture of me! I went up the bell tower and the views of the Duomo and Florence were worth the steps. I could have stayed in Florence for at least a week longer. It was so beautiful and there was so much to see. It was my favorite city to visit. I went back early to my hotel to take a much needed nap before our last dinner together as a group. We met for the last time as a group and headed to dinner at the Giglio Rosso. It was a restaurant owned by brothers and they were funny and passionate about their food. It was such a tasty meal and we all had a lovely time enjoying each other with good wine and food. Many of us were departing early the next day so we said our goodbyes at the end of dinner. I’m not one to cry in public, but I was truly sad to see this time end with our group. I made many friends and had wonderful adventures with them all. It was an experience I will not forget and I can’t imagine doing it without Anna and my fellow travelers on the tour! As we were walking back to our hotel, because even though we said goodbye we all needed to go back to the hotel, we stopped to look at a bronze sculpture of a bore. Anna told us it was the PORCELLINO STATUE. We were told if you rub the boar’s nose, place a coin on its mouth and drop it, and it falls into the grate, you will have good luck. So, many tried it. Then Anna said if you hold the “winky” you will find love. I’m not sure if that’s true or not but one of our very funny travelers said, “Oh, I need love.” So, we had a laugh and grabbed a picture. As we were walking away she yelled back, “Arrivederci winky” to the boar! We laughed all the way back to the hotel. I have never had so many strong emotions within 30 minutes of each other, like crying and then laughing so hard I was crying again. It was a magical final night and I was sad to see it end, but happy to have experienced it. Before we went to bed I found a letter from Anna. It was such a heartfelt and lovely letter, I will treasure it always. She simply was the best guide! |
Day 9-Saying Goodbye to Italy |
Many of my fellow travelers were staying another day or heading somewhere else in Italy for a day or two. I unfortunately was flying out of Rome at 10:30am, so I had to take the early train from Florence to Rome. I was supposed to meet the taxi that Anna had set up for me at 5:30am. Ashley woke me up at 5:18am asking if I needed to get up for the taxi. Accidentally, I had set my alarm for pm instead of am. Amazingly, Ashley woke up suddenly and got me up in time for the taxi. It was another reason I was thankful for her and that we roomed together! Thankfully it was a smooth and fast train ride. Once I was in Rome I took the train from Rome Termini to the airport. I was much more confident as I left Italy than when I came in. I couldn't resist another pizza, so I had another one during my connection to Chicago. I was picked up by my family, Sam and Oliver. Boy was I happy to see them! It took me about two weeks to get over the “bad coffee” and not-as-tasty food of West Michigan. I couldn’t go to Starbucks for weeks! My experience in Italy was life-changing and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to go on this trip by myself, but not alone! I look forward to when I can go on another Rick Steves Tour. |