Ok Ok I know I'm a little behind on my blog. I'm having some trouble with this program and twice I've had a fully written entry and twice I've hit the"publish" button and poof, it disappears! Very frustrating. So, I'm going to post a bit at a time and will keep adding to this entry. Ok here goes On Saturday we headed off to see the Palazzo Pitti, an enormous residence not too far from us. Built by wealthy Florentine banker Luca Pitti, his family hung out there f...

Woke up a little groggy and a little late, and plenty hungry. We decided to stock up our fridge with some food and get some breakfast things too. So down we went, all 4 flights and exited onto our narrow lane called Via della Caldaie. It's a narrow road paved with stones, with narrow sidewalks too. At time it's easier to walk down the middle of the road. Luckily it's one-way, so you only have to dodge the scooters and the odd car who's driver is feeling brave, go...

Another day in Florence, had our usual bakery treats from the panetteria down the street and then hit the road. We picked up a 3-day pass called the Firenze Card. It gives us free access to most of the museums and attractions in town, including free bus rides. Also more importantly we get to skip the lines. So the first thing we did is head to the offices. The offices of the Medici that is. The Medici family ruled Florence for many years and supported many artist...

We are here... Firenze! Finalmente (finally). A car ride to the airport courtesy of oldest son Cameron, 2 plane rides of 4 and then 7.5 hour durations, a Regionale train from the airport outside of Roma to the city, and then a high-speed train going 260 kmh into Florence. We hoofed our bags for about a 20 minute walk and then met Michele, the owner of our Airbnb apartment for the next few days outside at ground level. We have a neat apartment on the 4th floor ri...

Leaving in 3 days! Have FINALLY sorted out the packing list. Trying to figure out a complete item list for clothing, shoes, toiletries, electronics, etc that you need for a whole month that fits into one carry-on sized luggage was not easy. I think I stressed too much about it. I mean really, if I need more clothes I think the Italians know a little something about that. I'm sure I could find a shirt or 2 there. Also, this is my first entry with this blog softwa...