Florence

We left Rome by high speed train and headed for Florence.  Tuscany region and I was so looking forward to getting some great pictures.  However, it turns out that there are a great many tunnels on route to Florence and the train moves so quickly that by the time I got ready to shoot the picture - presto into another tunnel.  So no pictures of the Tuscan country side. 

Upon arriving in Florence we moved to our hotel but they'd mixed up our reservations and we ended up in a sister hotel.  This hotel and it's courtyard are quite beautiful, however the rooms leave a lot to be desired,  but since we were only there for two days we decided not to complain.  Maybe we should have but what can you do. 

Unlike in Rome where a lot of places are still open, we were surprised to discover that everything closes during the month of August between 3 and 7 p.m. so we simply walked around the neighbourhood.  Unlike Rome this area is quite pretty and much cleaner. 

The details of the homes in this area were beautifully maintained.

 

 

 

As our hotel required reservations for the dinner and we were supposed to be at another hotel, we had to find somewhere else to eat.  While I ate the best meals I've had in a long time in Rome, I found the best pizza I've ever had in my life in Florence.  A little place so small you might miss it if you blinked, it was right out of a Disney set.  The owner took orders, made the pizza's (there is a sign indicating that they only serve pizza's and to go somewhere else if you want something else), he also took phone orders, served everyone and cleared the tables.  He did everything alone and it was amazing.  I found a great Italian wine here as well. 

 

Next up... The sights of Florence...