Florence

 Day 8

We arrived in Florence by train and managed to get our luggage down the narrow cobbled streets to our accommodation. We met the lady who manages the apartment, and although she spoke very little English and we spoke even less Italian we managed to understand each other.

Our apartment is situated in the perfect location above a market only a stones throw from the Basilica di San Lorenzo where many of the Medici family are buried. I remember learing about them and their influenece and control in the region during History lessons at school. To also hear the deep chime of the bell and to think that for centuries, millions of others have also heard the same chime, is quite humbling.

After settling in, we went for a wander through the streeslts. Florence is renowned for its leather, so each stall in the market and many stores sell much the same items. We went past the Duomo (cathedral) which was closed (much to my children's disappointment! 🤣. We saw the famous Ponte Vecchio (bridge) where we had an amusing haggling experience. We were looking at some art that street sellers had on display and pointed out one we liked. The vendor said only €50 and we said too high and we started to walk away, as it wasn't something we really wanted or needed. He started to roll it up for us and then followed us and dropping his price with every step. Before we knew it, and without us saying a word, he was offering €10, which we accepted. I'm kicking myselg that we didnt offer €5!

On our way back to the apartment, we saw street artists doing portraits and caricatures. We decided to get one of our three beautiful children as a memento of our time away and now that they are getting older. We negotiated a price of €50 for the three of them together. While they were sitting for that, of course Nook and I sat in a nearby ristorante enjoying a cheese and meat board, espresso martinis and some wine! After Ella finished, I gave her thr €50 to pay the artist and soon after, she came back saying it was €50 per person! I promptly went over to clarify that we agreed on €50 together and he got stroppy and packed the finished sketch away while mubling what I can only assume were profanities in Italian. I walked away and upon relaying the story to Nook, she really wanted the sketch, so back I went and explained that it was a misunderstanding and we agreed to settle halfway. He said in 20 years time, I wont remember the price, but will have the memories. How true. We shook hands and wished each other well.

Day 9

We arose early to catch the light rail to the meeting point for our 12-hour day trip through Tuscany. We were on a coach with approximately 40 other people from a diverse range of nationalities. Our first stop was Pisa to see the famous tower. When Nook was here last, in 2000, you were unable to climb it, so we assumed that was still the case. Unfortunately, the guide only told us as we arrived in the town that we could now go up the tower and needed to purchase tickets in advance. I went online to find that it was sold out while we were there. The tower reopened for climbing in 2001 and declared stable for another 300 years. And yes, we posed for the obligatory photo 'pushing'the tower back into place.

We then went onto a winery where we enjoyed an entertaining lunch and wine tasting. On our tables were a sparkling, two reds and a rosè. Unfortunately the kids weren't able to drink theirs, so Nook and I just had to drink theirs as well! They were really nice. I haven't been able to drink a red for over 20 years due to allergies l, however, I took a chnace and tried these, really enjoyed them and no reaction. Perhaps, like a good wine, I've matured? Lunch was some bread drizzled with white truffle oil, a selection of cold meats, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, biscotti and cheese dizzled with onion oil. We then had 'the sell' of purchasing wines (with their steak knives offer) including worldwide shipping. Their clever market plan, clearly worked with many customers buying wines after they're half charged. We decided not to, as we belive our Tassie wines are superior and would rather spend our money at home. Nonetheless, it was a great experience.

Here is a short video of Nook being Nook!

We then headed to Siena, and as soon as we stepped off the coach we could tell this was a lovely city and would like to come back and stay one day to explore further. We have just over an hour of free time, where we wandered the streets, saw the 640+ year old mummified head of St Catherine of Siena.

Our next stop was the amazing Tuscan town of San Gimignano. We had an hour to wander and enjoy the picturesque town and try their gelato which they claim is awarded the best in the world. To be honest, I think any gelato is just fine! 

After arriving back to Florence around 9pm, Nook and I found a laundromat to dry our freshly washed clothes, and while we waited, were forced to enjoy a bottle of wine!

Tomorrow morning we don't have any plans before we depart for Venice, so we'll enjoy a lazy morning to make up for all our early starts.