Leaving Rome, on to Florence

We awoke somewhat refreshed and headed straight down to breakfast first thing. We needed to eat, pack up our remaining stuff, and head to the train station for our 11:50 am train. We were checked out of the hotel by 10:00 am and on the Metro in about 10 minutes. We made it to the train station at about 10:30 am or so… plenty of time to find the correct train and then sit down in a café within the station for a coffee, finish up some postcards, and then head out.

We looked at the screens for our train… and couldn’t find it. Odd. So we stopped and pulled out the ticket and as I stared at the screen I heard, “OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GOD!!!” I replied, “What?!!? What??!!? …… Don’t tell me…. We missed our train?”

Yes.

Our train left at 10:15, arrival to Florence at 11:50.

Sigh.

We had first class seat on the train, reserved seats I might add.

We took off for the information booth… They said we can get on the train and pay an 8 euro fee to ride, but the train was full. The next train left in about 15 minutes. We ran to platform 9 and found a nice, comfortable spots stuck between cars in the aisle and on the steps in and out of the train. So not only did we not get seats, we had to pay more to sit in between the cars the whole way to Florence. We had a small window so we could see the countryside. Claudia vowed we would have our first class seats for Venice.

We were lucky enough to be first off of the train… when you sit on the stairs going in and out of car # 2, these are the priveleges.

We quickly found a taxi and headed to our hotel… and it is nice! Big room, comfy, and clean.

Both of us spent little time putting our stuff away and headed back down to the front desk for assistance. She had explained at check in the bus runs every 15 minutes and that we could buy tickets from her when we came down. Great!

We went down to buy tickets, she said, “Well I only have 1 ticket left, you can buy on the bus for 2 euro.” So we bought the one remaining from her and I held on to 2 euro to purchase one on the bus. We then asked what time the bus would arrive… “Well, it’s Sunday. About every 15 to 20 minutes.”

Sitting on a cold bus stop bench watching tiny Fiat cars, Vespa’s, and various tiny European cars speed by was pleasant. The old man who sat next to me and told me if I come to Italy I must learn Italian was sort of pleasant while he scolded my lack of Italian skill. It was hilarious when he got up and starting scolding other people for poor driving habits, and who knows what else. And we sat. And waited. We finally saw the bus coming and it was PACKED! I now know what it’s like to be a sardine. The bus driver had no more tickets, so I no more pay for no more tickets I told him. He nodded.

Within 10 minutes we were off the bus headed for Il Duomo… and what a sight! This glorious, beautiful dome towering above us. The bells were tolling in the tower… and every one would just stop and stare at it and marvel. It was gorgeous.

We continued on and found stores and vendors selling leather, leather, and more leather. Also tons of gorgeous stationary, paper, pens and the like were on all the tourist carts and pretty much every other tiny shop along the streets. We ducked into a few and marveled at the paper and the prices for said paper. We then happened upon the street where a short line formed to see the statue of David. We made the line quickly and went through security into the small museum. The statue of David is breathtaking. It was larger than life, and detailed beyond belief. Photos were not allowed, but I of course snuck a few…

We found a bench and sat down for some time just admiring the statue. If you spend time paying attention to the details in his face, eyes, hair… even the veins in his arms and neck… you can get lost. Truly a beautiful sight.

On we went… walking and walking and walking… for such a tiny place, you sure can walk a lot.

We eventually happened upon the Ponte Vecchio and it was light up gorgeously. The details of the little bridge are stunning… So old and so oddly mismatched… like a child with glue just did a cut and paste project. I loved it! We walked across and it was packed! Most of the jewelry shops had closed, but it was still so exciting with all of the people going back and forth… people stopping here and there to take picture after picture. Very gorgeous views of the river people and the lights of the city… we took it all in, but our feet were pounding by now and we were hungry.

We eventually happened upon a small restaurant called di Cati Filippo and the whole menu was in Italian. It was packed inside and smelled wonderful. We were seated quickly and ordered French fries to start as we were both so hungry. Then a salad came along that we split and also penne arrabbiata that was fantastic! Slightly spicy, delicious and al dente! We also split a small prosciutto and mushroom pizza that was good, but not the best pizza we’ve had here in Italy. Finished off the meal with house made tiramisu that was to die for… nothing you’ve ever had in the USA, soooo yummy!

After a nice meal and 2 glasses of chianti each later… we were off to the bus stop to head back to the hotel. It was a great day, but the walking was just about enough for both of us. I called my Mom on Skype, Claudia also called her Dad on Skype, and as midnight hit… we both hit the pillows! We want to start early in the morning! Good night all!