So today we packed up at 8 and went on our way to Florence, via private coach. Way less stressful than the bus, and for the first time we were all in an enclosed space with just us; inside the bus, it was America, even if we were driving through Italy. Our bus driver took out a stop light on the way out of Rome, because everyone drives like a crazy person and the roads are tiny. We ended up being a little behind schedule because we had to stop for the ticket we got, but we still made it to sienna on time.
We stopped at a gas station, which was another experience. These are things you just don't think about, but yes- in Italy, they have rest stops. This one was pretty typical;bathrooms, food, magazines. I got some crackers because my stomach was just not feeling it today,but it only helped a little. Past Paige takes care of future Paige though, and I had some apple juice saved for just such an emergency.
We made it to siena, which is SO pretty- ill post a picture of the Tuscany landscape. Lots of hills, but just beautiful countryside and vineyards. The houses are adorable too, and when you get into town you have to park and walk in, so it's a lot slower paced.
We went to a church that I didn't really like, and then to the square for lunch. The weather was perfect,and we just laid out and enjoyed some vitamin d before going into the big city hall type building. Not much to say about that either; it was pretty small, at least the parts we got to see. We did make it out to the patio on the top, and while we were taking pictures a man from the ground (we were like 4 stories up) started singing to us. It was so fun and impressive, and he bowed for us and then did an encore. It's probably not interesting to read about, but it's the most exciting thing that happened during the day trip, and the video is funny.
After we packed back into the bus, we drove for another hour into Florence. Our hostel is nearly hotel standard- we have our own bathroom, the rooms are largeish, and there's cute patios to hang out in. We also have wifi, obviously. The towels are more like sheets, but I hear they still get the job done.
On our walking tour, it took about 20 minutes to get into the city. We have a grocery store nearby and a nice bar that has pastries nearby, but for the most part were in the middle of nowhere. We got into town and over the bridge, where we found the duomo and baptistery. The Medici palace was just down the street from there. It seems like everything is pretty condensed,even if it's a walk to get to, at first. I'm starting to get heel spurs, which just seems ridiculous, but my feet are not happy with me.
I got the worlds most heavenly doughnut, stopped at the grocery store for some breakfast, and now I'm back in my room ready to learn how to master a new shower. We start early tomorrow morning, and I can't wait; it seems like this week is going to go by super fast. There's so much to do, and everyone is so friendly; I'm pretty sure I'm already falling in love with Florence.
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