Florence

Ah. the picturesque city of Florence. Spectacular views of the city scene from all the highest points. Definitely one I would consider studying in if Italians were my thing.

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is home to David, the chiseled slayer and his two copies that are scattered around the city. At the Galleria dell' Academia is where the real David lives, but be warned, line up early as not to wait in line for hours watching street venders all selling the same paintings they claim to have created. And you must visit the museums gift shop! I picked up a trendy David clicky pen, David torso card holder and David tattoo, I'm sure that'll come in handy one day :)

Other than David, Florence has a lot to offer. The gorgeous river Arno, Ponte Vecchio (old bridge), the stunning Duomo aside a chapel, Basilica di Santa Croce, piazzale Michelangelo on top the hill (the best views), huge food and clothing market, gallaries including the Academia and Uffizi, church of Santa Maria Maggiorie, Piazza della Signoria with all the statue copies and weird neptune men and the gardens, Boboli and Bardini.

Much to see and do, lots of leather products and karaoke. Plenty to eat as well, and if you're game, which I was :) try the cities famous pork roll sold at the food market. Made from the lining of the pigs stomach, this roll and its sauce might look greyish and weird but tastes Amazing!!

We stayed at the Michelangelo camping ground, great location across the river from the centre of the city, easy walk or bus ride into town. Definitely take your time to wonder the city, so many things too see its worth at least two full day walks.

Rochelle and I participated in the busabout walking tour of Florence, although we'd seen a bit already, it didn't include a 3 course meal, leather demonstration and karaoke. An American restaurant adjacent to an Asian karaoke hall, perfect combo, made better when both Contiki and Top Deck groups were partying with us :)

Ponte Vecchio is the coolest bridge ever. Houses stacked across the bridge, now shops for venders, makes for a surreal walk across. Be careful with what you wear that day too, gets awfully windy and people tend to stare :)  

Leaning tower of Pisa tomorrow :) how creative can we get! :) xxx

1: stunning view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. 2:  fake David, me with the view 3: wearing top shop leotards, top shop bloomer shorts, nasty gal necklace, vintage belt. Karen walker sunglasses, vintage backpack 4: admiring the view 5: Florence's Duomo 6: features of the Duomo, including the golden gates of the chapel, dubbed the 'Gates of Paradise' by Michelangelo for their beauty. 7: tiny me with the huge Duomo and tower 8: bridge walkway, Ponte Vecchio 9: Girls on the river Arno 10: me on Ponte Vecchio wearing Brandy and Melville dress, Karen Walker sunglasses 11: Arno River with Ponte Vecchio all angles 12/13: Basillica della Santa Croce 14:  garden view of Florence 15: amazing market delights 16: never ending arch ways and creepy suicidal bridge art 17: street art, money wall 18: church of Santa Maria Maggiorie 19: inappropriate statues of Piazza della Signoria