Walking from the train station to my hotel upon my arrival to Florence, while hot was not too bad. By now I am used to navigating Italian cities and this walk was as straight forward as they come. Crossing the bridge over the Arno river and seeing the center of Florence in the distance was exhilarating.
Having arrived fairly early, there would be plenty of time to check in to my hotel and make the walk to the heart of Florence. A late lunch was in order and I happened on a Tex-Mex restaurant which was as welcome a change as the Vietnamese restaurant on my last stop. The burrito was one of the top five I’ve eaten with Hilton Head’s Amigos vegetarian burrito my top pick. Finishing with a second small margarita I toured the Basilica di Santa Croce before drifting toward Piazza della Repubblica. As expected summer time in Florence was stifling and a buzz with tourist. A few more piazzas, art galleries, obscure small churches and it was time to head home. After sunset I grabbed a tasty pizza just across the street from my hotel and called it a night.
My second day began just steps from my flat at Porta San Niccolò, the gateway to the long climb toward Piazzale Michelangelo. The higher I climbed, the more Florence layed herself out beneath me, terracotta roofs, cathedral domes, and the gental curve of the Arno. Basilica De San Minioto, the smaller and humble Chiesa di San Salvatore al Monte and the gardens leading to the cities wall were all impressive. While
Palazzo Pitti was a bit of a walk, it too was impressive.
Heading back down the hillside I crossed the Pore Vecchio bride to Palazzo Vecchio. Hungry, tired and hot I just happens to wind up at the Tex Mex spot again so I doubled down on a burrito combo and by chance met a wonderful family from Clearwater Florida. We swapped travel stories as well as discussing our home towns. I later visited Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croche before taking a bus back to my Flat. Freshening up and still slightly full from the late burrito I walk the neighborhood and grabbed a small plate of pasta at a restaurant just down from where I ate the night before.
Saturday after waking up from a long day in central Florence I took an early morning walk in the neighborhood before relying on the bus system over my feet. Having bought some online bus passes I used them to tour the city. While fairly uneventful I did get some good sightseeing in before returning home and getting some me time to rest.
Later that evening I headed to the main piazza near my flat to check the station bus schedule route for my Monday departure and stumbled on a great restaurant, KoKo that turned out to be an elevated experience to a different level. Tempura shrimp sushi roll wrapped in egg with beni seed as compared to seaweed. Tender, fresh octopus sliced thin and while the scampi was a bit of a surprise with only 2 bites of the tails the presentation was over the top fresh and tasty with head and claws attached of course which made for quite a presentation. While I love wasabi I will admit I went a bit heavy on it which left me all but climbing the wall to swallow it. The waiter was very accompanying and spoke excellent English. When I complimented the previous dishes it was time for dessert and Max suggested the limited addition matcha pana cotta but of course I had to try the green tea tiramisu which was one of the best I’ve tasted and yes it was served in a cup. A Japanese whiskey was also suggested and it was right up there with any American whiskey. Further conversation talked me into a double dessert so the matcha pana cotta followed with a complimentary limoncello. When Max returned we discussed my travels and I think I may have spurred his desire to experience Italy further even though he has lived there for fifteen years. I was told I need to return the following night for a truly elevated experience with the chefs signature menu items but Max must have forgotten his days because they are closed on Sunday as with most everything.
Sunday for the most part was a day off from being a tourist. I checked my Rome itinerary, wrote some post cards, and took it easy. Monday was an exit day departing on a bus to the train with one transfer before catching a subway to my flat in Rome. I’ve learned especially with the heat to drink plenty of water and pace myself. As far as my delicate stomach I’ve thrown caution to the wind.
fscavullo 