Originally, we thought we’d visit Italy, but via Sicily after Greece. Since our Greece plans were cancelled, and we decided to visit Venice and northern Italy, we had to stop in Florence for at least a few days. This is an incredible city, with beautiful museums, views, food and…well, food and drink! We love it here, but a few nights is plenty on our way to wherever the next destination may be.

We stayed in a small hotel (not sure it should be called that), with about 6 rooms. It was about a 10 minute walk from the train station, and about another 5 minutes to the heart of the city. Great location, just below the Basilica, and had a nice terrace to enjoy in the evening.

While there are many, many museums and churches to visit while in Florence, this time we decided to simply stay outside and walk the back alleys and side streets to see what we could see. Let’s just say - the art is not only in the museums. We found this guy doing sidewalk chalk art…maybe it should be in a museum…

Frankly, it’s unbelievable to see what people are capable of…it is truly incredible.

We of course had to stop for a sandwich at All’ Antico Vinaio - the place with a 4.6 rating…and with 30,000 reviews on Trip Advisor (I think another 25,000 reviews on Google). I love this sandwich, but frankly it’s a bit too big and “bready”. But I did take a picture this time. The meats are great - the focaccia fresh, and it is certainly worth the wait.

However…possibly our favorite little off the beaten path place is now La Prosciutteria, which is about half a block from the iconic sandwich shop. Sit in the back corner and have an incredible charcuterie board and a bottle of the house (cheap) wine. And with pork belly and prosciutto hanging from the rafters, you just have to love it.

Ok - let’s talk about something other than food (for a minute or two). Florence is a great place for architecture and museums as well. We enjoyed this time walking many back streets to see a different sideof Florence, but we of course also enjoyed seeing the Duomo - the Florence Cathedral of Santa Maria. Completed in 1436 (just a few years BT - Before Tim), it is the 4th largest church in the world at about 89,000 sq ft. And it is an incredible sight both in the day and at night…

Here is a little more on the Cathedral from Rick Steves…

And of course there is the Ponte Vecchio - a beautiful spot to grab a photo…and for pick-pockets to grab a wallet (at least we have heard this from a few people). Didn’t happen to us (thankfully), but always keep things close and be aware of what is going. On around you.

I already mentioned the street art in Florence, but it is incredible here - street musicians are around every corner and they are amazing. While we had seen this first one a few times in the past, we simply love his music and his passion. And the second guy below (we talked to him for a few minutes after) is an aspiring opera student in Florence from Bulgaria. Making a few Euro’s on the side…

It is pretty amazing, and it truly is everywhere. This group was just sitting at a cafe’ - what a great place to watch them, and the view was amazing as well…

In addition to music there is always art - certainly the statues, etc., but also just the street art you see while walking…paintings on doors and shutters…

Ok, can I get back to food and drink now, please???

If you are ever in Florence, one stop is a must - the Mercato Centrale. Built around 1874, it is relatively “new” by Italian standards, and it is a place where you can find anything and everything. Meat shops - seafood - breads - produce - salumi - coffee. Restaurants, with many upstairs, but a few on the main floor as well. Prices are reasonable, and the quality incredible. And simply a fun place to get lost in for a couple hours.

We had a great time in Florence - now it’s time to get on another train and head for Pienza and Tuscany for a few weeks. We’ll rent a car while in that region and hope to explore the hill towns, and see our friends at Cretaiole!

All the best to everyone,

Tim & Eileen