Friday, May 20
Thank heavens for this little gift Italians call cappuccino! Now I'm not much of a coffee person by any means; back home I treat myself to Dunkin once a week, if anything, but here caffeine was my lifeline. Late nights, early mornings and the fact that my being on my feet felt like I was standing barefoot on stones, I needed a cup to keep me going.
The one thing you need paired with your morning coffee is the daily newspaper. Well, I found one, no doubt. And it was all in Italian.
The one thing you need paired with your morning coffee is the daily newspaper. Well, I found one, no doubt. And it was all in Italian.
Arrival in Florence
With bags packed, we said arrividercci to Hotel Centro in Rome and headed for the train station to embark on the next phase of our Italy trip: Florence. The high-speed train was very modern: comfortable seats, large windows, ample luggage space, tables, and power outlets under the armrest. Some people napped, others read a book, and some meandered around on their phones desperate for wifi connection to post their selfies on Snapchat. I, of course, began to write. This very entry that you're reading now as a matter of fact.
For only being a few hours away from one another, Florence was a different world to Rome. We checked into Hotel Arizona- which I liked much better than Hotel Centro. The atmosphere was so home-like, from the warm oatmeal, honey and burgundy interior design of the lobby lounge and dining area, to the welcoming family staff who ran the establishment.
I was placed in a triple room again much to my advantage. It was the best suite in the three-tier hotel due to its rooftop terrace. My roommates and I reveled in this treat for a few minutes before letting the cat out of the bag to the rest of our companions. Within seconds, they came knocking!
I was placed in a triple room again much to my advantage. It was the best suite in the three-tier hotel due to its rooftop terrace. My roommates and I reveled in this treat for a few minutes before letting the cat out of the bag to the rest of our companions. Within seconds, they came knocking!
Guided Tour
Time to explore Firenze (what the locals refer to as Florence.)
Florence was calmer, even a bit more friendly. There was an abundance of what I called "half cars" little two door vehicles that rode up the streets you walked on. There wasn't much of a clear distinction of sidewalks here, so most of the time we had to jump out of the way when an engine behind us roared. Oh and EVERYBODY in this city has a dog! I couldn't believe how many people had a feline friend by their side- some with and without leashes- all so well behaved. If I could have taken one back as a souvenir I would have, although I don't think my barking suitcase will go over well with airport security...
For lunch, a few of us girls stopped at this restaurant in a Piazza down the street from our hotel, which we endearingly nicknamed "Our Square". We took a table outside and this was the first time I tried a new type of pasta. The dish was called papardelle con cinghiale(wild boar ragu sauce) and it was DELICIOUS! Certainly going on my list of favorite pasta, the noodle was flat, wider than a linguine but thinner. I was so happy that it was not al dente and the boar was so tender. |
Ristorante Gastone
Dinner with the gang and tour guide that night was held at Gastone Ristorante. (Hm..and I thought the name 'Gastone' was French thanks to Beauty and the Beast.)
I had a Nicoise salad that would put Saladworks to shame, a fresh pasta primavera, and fresh fruit with riccota cheesecake.
I had a Nicoise salad that would put Saladworks to shame, a fresh pasta primavera, and fresh fruit with riccota cheesecake.