Florence, Italy: A Whirlwind of Lavender and Lost Keys
okay, so i’m still processing florence. it’s…a lot. like, a really lot. i just got back, and honestly, my brain feels like it’s been run through a pasta maker. the air smells faintly of terracotta and something sweet, probably from the countless gelato shops. i just checked and it’s… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is a beast, though. feels like i’m walking through a sauna, but a really stylish one.
i’m still trying to sort through the sensory overload. the colors! every building seems to have a different shade of ochre or rose. and the crowds… oh god, the crowds. it’s a beautiful mess, though. you just gotta embrace the chaos.
i spent most of my time wandering, which is basically my superpower. i followed my nose into tiny artisan shops overflowing with leather goods and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of delicious-looking trattorias. someone told me that the trattoria Mario near the Duomo is legendary, but also incredibly difficult to get a table at. i missed out this time, but i’m planning a return trip - definitely hitting that place next.
*pro-tip: ditch the map for at least a few hours and just get lost. you’ll stumble upon the coolest little squares and hidden courtyards. also, learn a few basic italian phrases. it goes a long way. i managed a ‘grazie’ and a ‘prego’ which felt like winning the lottery.
i also heard that the best way to see the Uffizi Gallery is early in the morning, before the tour groups descend. someone warned me that the lines can be insane, especially during peak season. i might try that next time.
i’m trying to disconnect a little while i’m here, but it’s hard. there’s just so much to see and do. if you get bored, [cities] are just a short drive away. i’m thinking of exploring the Tuscan countryside - vineyards and rolling hills sound pretty amazing. i hear there’s a fantastic wine tasting experience near Siena* - maybe i’ll look into that.
i saw a street artist near the Ponte Vecchio doing some incredible work. it was totally unplanned and just a fleeting moment, but it really captured the spirit of the city. it's weird how quickly time slips by when you're immersed in a new place. i'm already planning my next adventure - maybe somewhere with less humidity? or maybe just a different corner of italy?
i’m off to find some more pasta. and maybe try to decipher the local menus. ciao for now!
TripAdvisor for restaurant recommendations. Yelp for more local insights. And check out this board for local events: Eventbrite. seriously, you can’t go wrong with either of those.
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