Italy - Part II - Florence

Up until now I had seen many beautiful buildings in Italy, but in most cities...there were the top 5 'must see' buildings...but in Florence...they were everywhere. I was overwhelmed by the number, size, architectual design and did I mention the size of these buildings. All the buildings and arches were larger than life.



Were the Italians trying to over-compensate for something? I don't know. All I can say is WOW!




Another 'wow' factor for me was the hostel (Plus Florence) I stayed in. I'm guessing I stayed in the nicest room in the joint, but it was definitely the best hostel room (by far) that I have stayed in during my travels.



It consisted of a huge space with a wall down the middle dividing the beds up. Only two beds per 'room' and then down the hall within my room (yes I said hall...crazy) was stairs leading to a bathroom.





How cool is that? If you've ever backpacked before and stayed in hostels...you'll understand my excitement. And to top things off, the bathroom had a bathtub and a bidet. What's up with that? And yes...I had to go on the Internet to figure out how to spell bidet. I'm guessing a few of you are going to have to look up the meaning of bidet as well.





The hostel also had TWO bars...one being a terrace bar with great views of Florence. I'm surprised I ever left the hostel...but I did...only to bring you guys some cool pictures. You can thank me later.



OK...enough about the hostel...did I mention it had TWO bars? I guess I did.




Since I was staying three nights, I knew I had time to aimlessly walk the streets of Florence and explore the entire city...not just the recommended sights...even though they were numerous.



Now I usually really enjoy the freedom of not knowing where I am, but it is a little disconcerting when you've been 'off the map' for more than two hours and it's siesta time so no one but yourself is walking the 'off the beaten track' streets and all the shops are closed.






And now picture that you've been walking for more than 5 hours in flip flops. Now I must admit...I'm fairly new to wearing flip flops but everyone in Europe made fun of my kick-ass sandals...so when in Rome...you know the saying. Yes I know I'm still in Florence...it's only a saying. Give a guy a break!






But unseasoned 'flip flop' feet, in mid 30 degree weather, walking uneven streets for more than 5 hours took its toll on me. I'm guessing it would on anyone, but even now...almost two weeks later...I still have blisters on blisters.

But never fear...for my awesome readers...I persevered and walked many more miles in Italy before giving my feet some well deserved rest.

Now as ALL of you know...I'm not really into fashion unless a T-shirt, shorts/jeans, sandals/running shoes are the next fashion statement to come ouf of Milan, but it's hard not to notice the fashion in Florence. Men and especially women are dressed to the 9's at all times. And man did they look good. In hindsight, I believe people dressed better in Florence than in Rome.

But how do the women wear those high heels and walk on such uneven streets without a misstep? Trust me...I'm not complaining. The other thing I noticed about the Florentines (not sure if that's a real word or a Joe word) is they seemed to move with the upmost sense of confidence. I sensed they felt they were better than me (but since most people do...I'm pretty used to that) and I guess by looking at my backpacker apparel (some being 9 months old) they had a right to. If they only knew who they were looking at...a past president of the Embro Boys...they would have thought differently.

I ended up spending a 4th night in Florence...not because it was such a beautiful city(even though it is), but because Italy decided to have a National train strike. Didn't they know I needed to get to Rome? This is messed up and I was informed that these strikes happen on a regular basis. What kind of country is this? I just hope they check with me next time.

Ciao from Florence...