Florence, Italy

Hi Flor!

Aw Flor!

No Flor!

On Wednesday we visited Florence. We took the train from Acone directly into the city and it was much easier than driving in and trying to park.

Our first stop was to Santa Maria Novella. How beautiful!

There were lots of food stands in the streets. All kinds of meats, cheeses, sundried tomatoes, olives and wine.

We had to try one of the fried mozzarella and ham ball. It was delicious!

After, we walked around the Piazza del Duomo. We didn't go in because the lines were very long but even the exterior was a site to see!

We stopped in an Irish pub right across from the Duomo. Cousin Dom recommended having a beer on the balcony overlooking the square.

Not a bad view from the balcony!

We still don't know how she did this!?

Incredible talent!

We strolled around the outside of the Uffizi Gallery. Mallory asked that I not post the closeup of the replica of David. Shoutout to the Bagnall classes that are checking in on the blog! :)

We stopped for lunch at All'antico Vinaio. They own the wine shop across the street and also the sandwich shop next door. This restaurant was recommended by a friend of Jay's. He lived in Florence and said it was the best sandwich shop in city. A woman outside of the restaurant said the same thing and was shocked there wasn't a line on this particular day. It did not disappoint.

Self-service wine for 2 euros!

We shared a meat, cheese and veggie platter and some focaccia and oil. A very simple menu but it was delicious!

The beautiful Ponte Vecchio. We were taking in the sun and the views along the Arno River when three police officers chased a thief down and tackled him at the girls' feet. Rosalie almost got trampled and was pretty shaken up. She wanted to leave so I carried her for a bit. The girls were trying to understand why he'd want a bag of trinkets from another street vendor. He was likely going to head to another part of the city and sell them to tourists.

We walked to a gelateria and then made our way to Boboli Gardens. It's amazing how once inside it's so peaceful and spacious when we were just in the chaotic hustle and bustle of the city streets.

Mal & Rose wearing their beautiful souvenirs they bought in Arles, France!

Rosalie walked right up and commented that this statue was holding a tv remote! When I asked her to guess again, she decided that maybe the scroll she was holding was a yodel. Too funny!

Back at the agriturismo Mal and Rose decided to take a quick dip before dinner. We made plans to eat at the agriturismo. The owners Alessandro and Serena were preparing Bistecca Florentina, a traditional Florentine dish.

So pretty!

The steaks were huge. One feeds an entire family.

Serena weighing the steak we chose.

antipasto to start

Alessandro makes wines from the grapes on the farm. This was his Rosé. They also produce organic olive oil (it was delicious). Serena was telling us that a smart business man in Tuscany is one that can break even at the end of a production season. There are three families that have a monopoly on the wines and oils and the rest produce for their own use or a small handful of clients. Their business is really in hosting families on their land.

After dinner we sat with Serena for an hour. The owners are so hospitable. She was telling us stories of her travels and explaining the cultures from the different regions of Italy. She was so passionate when she spoke, the girls were mesmerized. She hit the nail on the head when she was describing how an agriturismo allows you to not only see but also get a feel of the land. We got a lesson in true Italian culture in that one hour. Staying at an agriturismo feels like home and is such a nice way to travel.