Firenze

Had breakfast at the hotel and then packed for the next leg of our trip - Florence! It was a grey day in Cinque Terre so we decided to take an earlier train to Firenze than we'd planned. Checked out of the hotel and bought some postcards in town. Peeked into some local markets and walked around before heading to the train station. About a 3.5-hour train ride to Florence which wasn't bad - just one transfer. Worked on journaling Cinque Terre because there's no way I'd be able to remember the spectacular details of this whole trip by the time I get home in mid-June!

Arrived in Florence and lugged our bags to Hotel Giglo that Tony had recommended to us. So hot out! Roberto welcomed us and was very accomodating. We stayed in Room #1 with a balcony overlooking the street. What a difference from the quaint beach towns of Cinque Terre, but cool to have another perspective of Italia. We settled in and then walked around Firenze.

Walked the streets and saw the sights including Brunelleschi's Duomo (it was closed, so we plan to go tomorrow). Roberto at the hotel had many restaurant recommendations for us so we ended up at his friend Elio's place - trattoria called Il Barrasca. Very small place with the local feel we were looking for. We were the first ones there, but a few others trickled in later on. Dinner was delicious - started with a Tuscan three-meat plate to share then we both had incredible Tuscan white bean soup - YUM! Mom had ravioli with her main course and I had stewed beef. Both very good with our vino.

Walked back to the hotel, but made sure to stop for gelato on the way.