Florence Visit

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Saturday, April 1, 2017
Florence Day!

We woke up, had breakfast… which was continental at the Holiday Inn Express and the BEST breakfast we have ever had!  Fresh, delicious croissants, coffee, and bread to make toast, ham and cheese! J




The biggest challenge we are facing is that there is no “mini-mart” or store inside the hotel; nothing with snacks, pop and water.  We’re so spoiled in the USA. 

We got on a train to Florence and planned to see “everything”!  Our main goals were written on a piece of paper that Cindy’s daughters gave her. Both of them have visited Italy in high school with their Italian classes. 

When we arrived in Florence at the train station (EVERYTHING is by train here!) we met a man who tried to sell us a private tour in his car for $40.  We declined…. At the end of our adventure we regretted it!  It was hard to navigate the city and see everything in the time we had before our train left.

Most importantly we wanted to see “the bridge” that Hitler spared, the place where you put a lock with the one you love and throw away the key, and taste gelato.  We did ALL of that!  We did not get to see the statue of David (too long of a wait and not enough time). We did shop and buy leather purses!!! We also saw the famous boar that you touch for good luck and try to drop a coin in.  We also stumbled upon the fountain of 7 tongues. 










At lunch time we met Eric who had just landed in Italy from Austria after flying from the USA. We met him and we ate… a lot!

On our train back to Reggio-Emilia was long, but a good time to rest.  We were all hungry.  Eric took a very quick shower and then we all walked to a nearby pizzeria. It was the cheapest but most fulfilling meal so far!  We had pizza, pasta, bread, wine, beer, and Eric caught up on ALL of the eating ordering almost every course.  When we got back to the hotel we all crashed.  It was a long and very busy day!


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