Mama Mia Italy!
Aug 4th, 2014, 08:55 AM
#45
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The traditional stuffing for zucchini flowers is a bit of mozzarella and a bit of anchovy, just a small amount of each. There are also lots of regional variations for the stuffing. A lot of people prefer them unstuffed.
There are two kinds of batter you can use: a simple one of flour and water, and another that's essentially a thin pancake batter. They shouldn't be heavily coated. They have to be deep fried in very hot oil to be crispy.
Only the male flowers are fried. It's easy to differentiate them, because the female flowers have very short stems and already have a tiny zucchini at the stem end, which withers if they don't get fertilized. You have to wash the flowers, delicately, and leave them to dry on a cloth. Remove the pistil of the flower before dipping it in the batter. You can either dig in there with a long sharp tool (or your pinkie finger), or you can remove it from the outside by digging off the stem end, when the pistil should come out with it. However, if you plan to stuff them, I think the mozzarella would leak out the hole. If they're stuffed, you have to twist the petal ends to keep the stuffing inside.
There are two kinds of batter you can use: a simple one of flour and water, and another that's essentially a thin pancake batter. They shouldn't be heavily coated. They have to be deep fried in very hot oil to be crispy.
Only the male flowers are fried. It's easy to differentiate them, because the female flowers have very short stems and already have a tiny zucchini at the stem end, which withers if they don't get fertilized. You have to wash the flowers, delicately, and leave them to dry on a cloth. Remove the pistil of the flower before dipping it in the batter. You can either dig in there with a long sharp tool (or your pinkie finger), or you can remove it from the outside by digging off the stem end, when the pistil should come out with it. However, if you plan to stuff them, I think the mozzarella would leak out the hole. If they're stuffed, you have to twist the petal ends to keep the stuffing inside.
Aug 4th, 2014, 01:02 PM
#46
If they're stuffed, you have to twist the petal ends to keep the stuffing inside.>>
well, I got the method right, anyway. i think the petals untwisted themselves!
Enjoying your TR very much, Ozgirl.
well, I got the method right, anyway. i think the petals untwisted themselves!
Enjoying your TR very much, Ozgirl.
Aug 5th, 2014, 03:44 AM
#48
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19 June Riomaggiore to Florence
After 5 days in CT it was time to move on. Next on the itinerary was Florence for 3 days.
Another tour member was travelling to Pisa so I had company on the train this time. We caught 2 regional trains to get to Pisa than another train change to Florence. The first part of the lag went so fast because I was chatting with my new friend but the second lag took forever.
Got into Santa Maria Novella train station at 11:30am. It was so busy! I had instructions on how to get to the B&B I was staying at. But dragging my suitcase over cobblestones and through hordes of tourists was a nightmare. Half way to the B&B I realized that my backpack zip was open! Someone had tried to get in! I hadn’t put my wallet in my backpack but I did have my camera and Ipad. Luckily nothing was missing. Phew…
I did notice the shopping in Florence looked really good
I stayed at the Residenza Della Signoria http://www.residenzadellasignoria.com/. The location was awesome – just behind Orsanmichele Church! The check in was smooth with Stefan, the host, explaining everything to me. He offered to drop off my laundry for washing and drying for 8E. The room was spacious and very nice. The bathroom was the biggest I had on this trip. This was basically a large apartment with 6 large ensuite bedrooms in a characterful building. I had an access code to get in so very safe.
Note: At this particular B&B the staff left around 6/7 pm. Then the guests were on their own. I did not see any one else in the apartment that first day. That was kind of creepy. Might be an issue if you are solo. I knew that all the other rooms were booked. Fortunately I met a couple staying at the apartment for breakfast next day and another couple in the room next to mine later the next evening. I felt a lot better after that.
I had a text from my friend travelling to Tuscany for a wedding. They would be in Florence in time for lunch. We made plans to meet at Eataly http://www.eataly.it/blog/negozi-italia-firenze/ for lunch. I loved this store/restaurant! They sold all Italian food things. There was a lovely terrace restaurant but it was too hot to sit outside. The food was good. I had cold soup gazpacho and my friend had pizza with buffalo mozarella. Yum! After our catch up and news sharing, my friend and I said good bye.
I went to the Accademia Galleria to see statue of David. I had my ticket from their online website and collected my entry ticket from ticket office across the road. I went to the reserved line and had no wait. Someone had told me to use the exit door to enter to avoid the crowds getting into the Gallery and that’s what I did. I used the Rick Steves’ audio guide.
The statue of David is incredible. At a little over 5 metres it is majestic in its beauty. Another famous work by Michelangelo in the Galleria is the group of four unfinished marble statues of slaves or prisoners. It’s a small museum so I was finished in an hour.
There is a very impressive bookshop across the road from the gallery. They have many books about renaissance art and artists. If you are looking for an impressive coffee table book then this is the place to go.
By this stage I was desperate for a coffee so as I wandered through some of the smaller streets around the Galleria I came across a cute little café and had a macchiato. This café had the most amazing looking biscuits so of course I had to try some.
I walked back towards the B&B and went by the Duomo. It had closed at 4pm but I managed to take some outside photos.
Back to my room for a quick refresh and then out to dinner next door. I was staying right next to the Cantinetta dei Verrazzano and it was a wonderful! I had dinner, lunch, and breakfast here because it was so good! It looks like a bakery from outside but there’s a little café/restaurant inside. That evening I had a cecina chickpea pancake and a cocktail. 12.50E.
I started the Rick Steves audio walking tour of Florence, going to Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Republica. There was a swing dancing demonstration Piazza della Signoria and DJ's playing music in streets. A special exhibition/function was on in Palazzo Vecchio which stays open until mid night. A carousel set up in Piazza della Republica. Firenze was partying!
I also saw the boar at the New Market gave its snout a rub.
Finished off the night with a gelato at Perche No http://www.percheno.firenze.it/index.php?lang=en I had 3 flavors- rose, almond and tiramisu. In heaven….
Reflection on Florence – I love Florence! If I was to choose a city in Italy to live, this would be it. The food and shopping was amazing. Everything was more compact then Rome. There has history and cultural but at the same time the city felt relaxed and ready to party. My kind of place….
Here is a link to my blog post and photos
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...-florence.html
After 5 days in CT it was time to move on. Next on the itinerary was Florence for 3 days.
Another tour member was travelling to Pisa so I had company on the train this time. We caught 2 regional trains to get to Pisa than another train change to Florence. The first part of the lag went so fast because I was chatting with my new friend but the second lag took forever.
Got into Santa Maria Novella train station at 11:30am. It was so busy! I had instructions on how to get to the B&B I was staying at. But dragging my suitcase over cobblestones and through hordes of tourists was a nightmare. Half way to the B&B I realized that my backpack zip was open! Someone had tried to get in! I hadn’t put my wallet in my backpack but I did have my camera and Ipad. Luckily nothing was missing. Phew…
I did notice the shopping in Florence looked really good
I stayed at the Residenza Della Signoria http://www.residenzadellasignoria.com/. The location was awesome – just behind Orsanmichele Church! The check in was smooth with Stefan, the host, explaining everything to me. He offered to drop off my laundry for washing and drying for 8E. The room was spacious and very nice. The bathroom was the biggest I had on this trip. This was basically a large apartment with 6 large ensuite bedrooms in a characterful building. I had an access code to get in so very safe.
Note: At this particular B&B the staff left around 6/7 pm. Then the guests were on their own. I did not see any one else in the apartment that first day. That was kind of creepy. Might be an issue if you are solo. I knew that all the other rooms were booked. Fortunately I met a couple staying at the apartment for breakfast next day and another couple in the room next to mine later the next evening. I felt a lot better after that.
I had a text from my friend travelling to Tuscany for a wedding. They would be in Florence in time for lunch. We made plans to meet at Eataly http://www.eataly.it/blog/negozi-italia-firenze/ for lunch. I loved this store/restaurant! They sold all Italian food things. There was a lovely terrace restaurant but it was too hot to sit outside. The food was good. I had cold soup gazpacho and my friend had pizza with buffalo mozarella. Yum! After our catch up and news sharing, my friend and I said good bye.
I went to the Accademia Galleria to see statue of David. I had my ticket from their online website and collected my entry ticket from ticket office across the road. I went to the reserved line and had no wait. Someone had told me to use the exit door to enter to avoid the crowds getting into the Gallery and that’s what I did. I used the Rick Steves’ audio guide.
The statue of David is incredible. At a little over 5 metres it is majestic in its beauty. Another famous work by Michelangelo in the Galleria is the group of four unfinished marble statues of slaves or prisoners. It’s a small museum so I was finished in an hour.
There is a very impressive bookshop across the road from the gallery. They have many books about renaissance art and artists. If you are looking for an impressive coffee table book then this is the place to go.
By this stage I was desperate for a coffee so as I wandered through some of the smaller streets around the Galleria I came across a cute little café and had a macchiato. This café had the most amazing looking biscuits so of course I had to try some.
I walked back towards the B&B and went by the Duomo. It had closed at 4pm but I managed to take some outside photos.
Back to my room for a quick refresh and then out to dinner next door. I was staying right next to the Cantinetta dei Verrazzano and it was a wonderful! I had dinner, lunch, and breakfast here because it was so good! It looks like a bakery from outside but there’s a little café/restaurant inside. That evening I had a cecina chickpea pancake and a cocktail. 12.50E.
I started the Rick Steves audio walking tour of Florence, going to Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Republica. There was a swing dancing demonstration Piazza della Signoria and DJ's playing music in streets. A special exhibition/function was on in Palazzo Vecchio which stays open until mid night. A carousel set up in Piazza della Republica. Firenze was partying!
I also saw the boar at the New Market gave its snout a rub.
Finished off the night with a gelato at Perche No http://www.percheno.firenze.it/index.php?lang=en I had 3 flavors- rose, almond and tiramisu. In heaven….
Reflection on Florence – I love Florence! If I was to choose a city in Italy to live, this would be it. The food and shopping was amazing. Everything was more compact then Rome. There has history and cultural but at the same time the city felt relaxed and ready to party. My kind of place….
Here is a link to my blog post and photos
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...-florence.html
Aug 5th, 2014, 06:24 AM
#50
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As a matter of fact, I made fiori di zucca (unstuffed) a few days ago, but with squash flowers, not zucchini flowers. "Zucca" actually means squash, but the dish is usually made with zucchini flowers. Zucchini means "little squash". At this time of year, you can buy the small plants with the flowers attached to them. That would be the female flowers, of course, but I suppose you could use also those.
I've never made them stuffed, and never seen them served stuffed around here (in Le Marche). It has occurred to me that it would be hard to keep the flowers from untwisting.
I've seen recipes for a baked, rather than deep fried, version, and I was thinking of trying that next time. Our squashes are producing more flowers than fruit!
I love where I live, but if I had to choose a different place to live in Italy, Rome would win over Florence. Ferrara would probably be high on my list as well.
I've never made them stuffed, and never seen them served stuffed around here (in Le Marche). It has occurred to me that it would be hard to keep the flowers from untwisting.
I've seen recipes for a baked, rather than deep fried, version, and I was thinking of trying that next time. Our squashes are producing more flowers than fruit!
I love where I live, but if I had to choose a different place to live in Italy, Rome would win over Florence. Ferrara would probably be high on my list as well.
Aug 5th, 2014, 10:04 AM
#51
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Your report has brought back wonderful memories of our trip to Italy this past May. We didn't have time for the Cinque Terre and your photos have made me sorry that we missed it. Another reason for a return trip to Italy! How sad that the Trevi fountain was closed. Going there was one of my favorite experiences in Rome. So many things were being renovated during our trip, including the Duomo Museum and the Baptistery in Florence. Parts of St Marks's Basilica in Venice were covered up for renovation as well. I look forward to reading the rest of your report and hope to get mine written soon!
Aug 5th, 2014, 10:38 AM
#52
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David and Duomo astounding. Really enjoying this TR! Thanks also, bvlenci, for further zucca info. I'll just have to come to Italy in the spring!
DH and I traveled to Italy several times and could never decide what city/town we loved the most or we might have tried to buy something. There's something about Italy.
I have a before and after shot of the 1999 cleaning of the Florence Duomo in anticipation of the year 2000 celebrations!
DH and I traveled to Italy several times and could never decide what city/town we loved the most or we might have tried to buy something. There's something about Italy.
I have a before and after shot of the 1999 cleaning of the Florence Duomo in anticipation of the year 2000 celebrations!
Aug 6th, 2014, 10:30 AM
#55
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Wonderful report and I've taken down some ideas for my Florence/Rome trip in Oct/Nov with my daughter. She also eats no flesh (cheese & eggs are OK)so I've noted Caffetteria Ruberto and Pietro al Pantheon for a couple of reasonably priced meals. She's a chef and foodie so we always spend way too much on restaurant meals...we're on a budget this year Thanks for taking the time to write and post !
Thanks for taking the time to write and post !
Aug 6th, 2014, 11:02 PM
#56
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I'm sorry I didn't post yesterday but I've been busy at work. I promise to post twice today.
20 June Florence day tip to Siena and San Gimignano
I had booked the Tuscany in One Day Tour on Viator for the day. This turned out to be with Walkabout Florence. The meet up point was at 8:30am in front of Santa Maria Novella station. The hotel had made arrangements for breakfast at the Cantinetta dei Verrazzano for a discounted price but it was not open at 8am. So I had a very nice cornetto and cappuccino to eat along the way at the first open café.
Met up with the tour leader Elisa and we were on a coach to Siena. There were probably 35-40 of us on this tour.
In Siena we were given a guided tour of the town including a tour of the Siena Duomo. This church had the most incredible marble floors and frescoes. The marble floors were actually inlaid marble panels depicting various biblical stories. We also saw some artwork by Donatello and Michelangelo. We saw a relic of St John the Baptist, what is believed to his hand.
We were then given a little to explore on our won. There were 3 solos (a girl from NZ and a guy from the US) on this tour including me and of course we bounded over our solo status
Siena is a splendid medieval town and at its heart is the Il Campo famous for the Palio horse races. Some may remember the scenes from James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
After Siena we were taken to a Chianti vineyard and given a tour of their cellars. Then it was time for lunch in their restaurant. The food was once again outstanding. They produced their own olive oil and honey in addition to the wines. OMG their honey was out of this world! I could have just had honey with bread and wine to wash it down
Feeling happy and full after lunch we got on the bus for the short drive to San Gimignano.
San Gimignano is a UNESCO world heritage site and is chocolate box pretty. We climbed up to the castle and took photos of the towers. Gelateria Dondoli has the distinction of being a world champion and has many unusual flavours on offer like Rosemary, Lavender and Gorgonzola cheese. I had to try the lavender and berries flavours. But my eyes were bigger than my stomach and I couldn’t finish my gelato cup….Mama Mia!
Final stop of the day was Pisa. I had been to Pisa on a previous trip but took the mandatory holding the leaning tower photo. Then found a café across the road to take a break and have a milkshake/frappe in a leaning glass in front of the Leaning tower of Pisa.
Back to Florence by 7pm to find my laundry done and waiting for me. Elisa had kindly offered advice about dinning and shopping options but I was too tired after the day to venture out. I went down to have a gelato at Perch No and called it a night. Yes I had 2 gelatos and a frappe in one day!!
20 June Florence day tip to Siena and San Gimignano
I had booked the Tuscany in One Day Tour on Viator for the day. This turned out to be with Walkabout Florence. The meet up point was at 8:30am in front of Santa Maria Novella station. The hotel had made arrangements for breakfast at the Cantinetta dei Verrazzano for a discounted price but it was not open at 8am. So I had a very nice cornetto and cappuccino to eat along the way at the first open café.
Met up with the tour leader Elisa and we were on a coach to Siena. There were probably 35-40 of us on this tour.
In Siena we were given a guided tour of the town including a tour of the Siena Duomo. This church had the most incredible marble floors and frescoes. The marble floors were actually inlaid marble panels depicting various biblical stories. We also saw some artwork by Donatello and Michelangelo. We saw a relic of St John the Baptist, what is believed to his hand.
We were then given a little to explore on our won. There were 3 solos (a girl from NZ and a guy from the US) on this tour including me and of course we bounded over our solo status
Siena is a splendid medieval town and at its heart is the Il Campo famous for the Palio horse races. Some may remember the scenes from James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
After Siena we were taken to a Chianti vineyard and given a tour of their cellars. Then it was time for lunch in their restaurant. The food was once again outstanding. They produced their own olive oil and honey in addition to the wines. OMG their honey was out of this world! I could have just had honey with bread and wine to wash it down
Feeling happy and full after lunch we got on the bus for the short drive to San Gimignano.
San Gimignano is a UNESCO world heritage site and is chocolate box pretty. We climbed up to the castle and took photos of the towers. Gelateria Dondoli has the distinction of being a world champion and has many unusual flavours on offer like Rosemary, Lavender and Gorgonzola cheese. I had to try the lavender and berries flavours. But my eyes were bigger than my stomach and I couldn’t finish my gelato cup….Mama Mia!
Final stop of the day was Pisa. I had been to Pisa on a previous trip but took the mandatory holding the leaning tower photo. Then found a café across the road to take a break and have a milkshake/frappe in a leaning glass in front of the Leaning tower of Pisa.
Back to Florence by 7pm to find my laundry done and waiting for me. Elisa had kindly offered advice about dinning and shopping options but I was too tired after the day to venture out. I went down to have a gelato at Perch No and called it a night. Yes I had 2 gelatos and a frappe in one day!!
Aug 7th, 2014, 04:04 AM
#57
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Here is a link to my blog post with photos
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...siena-and.html
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...siena-and.html
Aug 7th, 2014, 04:41 AM
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21 June Florence Sightseeing and Shopping
I woke up eager to start my day of sightseeing and shopping! I was officially half way through my trip and was going to allow myself some retail therapy J
But first breakfast at Cantinetta dei Verrazzano . The hotel had organized a discount price for breakfast which consisted of a sweet pastry, a basket of breads and rolls, coffee and fresh orange juice. This café is actually a bakery too and their pastries and breads are to die for!
I started by going to the Duomo. As I took my camera out to start snapping pics, I realised I had forgotten the battery in the recharger back at the hotel. So I went back to hotel which was only 5-10 mins away. Unfortunately by the time I got back, the line to enter the Duomo went around the block.
I thought I'd come back later in the afternoon before closing time.
On my way to the San Lorenzo Central Market, I went to the Gucci shop because it was right there. I saw a gorgeous bag and wallet. It was tempting but decided to go to the market to check out the leather goods first.
I love visiting markets in cities I visit. I enjoyed walking around the Mercato Centrale and seeing all the local produce. I tasted some truffle dips and oil.
Then I made my way outside to the leather market. There was so much variety but I found it expensive. I didn't do any shopping and went back to Gucci. I had convinced myself that I’d rather pay a “bit” extra and get the Gucci handbag and wallet.
Note: Gucci is a Florentine brand and the handbags and wallets are made in Tuscany with Tuscan leather.
I went back to the hotel to drop off my purchases and got lunch at the Cantinetta dei Verrazzano. Yum!!
Next was the Uffizzi Gallery Museum. It was crowded but I went in with my timed ticket bought online. Once again used the exit door to enter and bypassed both the ticket and entry lines. I used Rick Steves’ audio tour. This Museum is a must visit for Renaissance art fans. I was amazed by the paintings and sculptures. Titian and Botticelli in particular were dazzling. From the second floor corridor of the Uffizi Gallery you can see the Ponte Vecchio. Ideal place to grab a seat and take it all in.
Exiting the museum I found myself hungry, so found a sandwich place recommended on Elizabeth Minchilli’s Florence app. ‘Ino – It was expensive and average. I was comparing them to Cantinetta dei Verrazzano and finding them lacking. The service wasn't so good either. I was there at closing time so perhaps they were eager to see me off.
Ok time to work off that Panini – I walked to Ponte Vecchio. If you are looking for expensive gold jewellery, you will love the shops. Years ago, on my first trip to Italy, I had bought a gold puzzle ring from one of the stores. I still wear it. I saw a necklace I loved but the budget had blown out after the morning shopping... so I walked over to the other side of the Arno and around the touristic shops.
Decided not to waste time and started the hot and sweaty climb to Piazzale Michelangelo. Finally made it there. I felt like I had taken a sweat bath – I know TMI.
There were a lot of tourists and wedding photographs being taken. No shade at all. I quickly snapped a few pics and went back down the stairs to find shade.
On my way down I saw Il Gelato di Filo and had a yummy gelato. I think I deserved the treat after sweating up the hill.
It was late afternoon so I went to the hotel for a short rest and a shower. After my cool shower, I changed and set out to dinner. I was going to go to a restaurant recommended by a friend but saw that it was full of tour bus customers. Decided that if I was going to be a tourist I might as well sit in Piazza della Signoria. So that's where I went. I had an aperitif at Cafe Riviore and then was too tired to find anywhere else for dinner. So I had the vegetable Risotto for dinner. The aperitif was great but risotto average.
While sitting at Café Riviore I saw a marathon being run around the city and a big band was playing in the loggia. There was ample entertainment to keep me there for a couple of hours.
Back to hotel for final packing.
Here is a link to my blog post and phoos
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...eeing-and.html
I woke up eager to start my day of sightseeing and shopping! I was officially half way through my trip and was going to allow myself some retail therapy J
But first breakfast at Cantinetta dei Verrazzano . The hotel had organized a discount price for breakfast which consisted of a sweet pastry, a basket of breads and rolls, coffee and fresh orange juice. This café is actually a bakery too and their pastries and breads are to die for!
I started by going to the Duomo. As I took my camera out to start snapping pics, I realised I had forgotten the battery in the recharger back at the hotel. So I went back to hotel which was only 5-10 mins away. Unfortunately by the time I got back, the line to enter the Duomo went around the block.
I thought I'd come back later in the afternoon before closing time.
On my way to the San Lorenzo Central Market, I went to the Gucci shop because it was right there. I saw a gorgeous bag and wallet. It was tempting but decided to go to the market to check out the leather goods first.
I love visiting markets in cities I visit. I enjoyed walking around the Mercato Centrale and seeing all the local produce. I tasted some truffle dips and oil.
Then I made my way outside to the leather market. There was so much variety but I found it expensive. I didn't do any shopping and went back to Gucci. I had convinced myself that I’d rather pay a “bit” extra and get the Gucci handbag and wallet.
Note: Gucci is a Florentine brand and the handbags and wallets are made in Tuscany with Tuscan leather.
I went back to the hotel to drop off my purchases and got lunch at the Cantinetta dei Verrazzano. Yum!!
Next was the Uffizzi Gallery Museum. It was crowded but I went in with my timed ticket bought online. Once again used the exit door to enter and bypassed both the ticket and entry lines. I used Rick Steves’ audio tour. This Museum is a must visit for Renaissance art fans. I was amazed by the paintings and sculptures. Titian and Botticelli in particular were dazzling. From the second floor corridor of the Uffizi Gallery you can see the Ponte Vecchio. Ideal place to grab a seat and take it all in.
Exiting the museum I found myself hungry, so found a sandwich place recommended on Elizabeth Minchilli’s Florence app. ‘Ino – It was expensive and average. I was comparing them to Cantinetta dei Verrazzano and finding them lacking. The service wasn't so good either. I was there at closing time so perhaps they were eager to see me off.
Ok time to work off that Panini – I walked to Ponte Vecchio. If you are looking for expensive gold jewellery, you will love the shops. Years ago, on my first trip to Italy, I had bought a gold puzzle ring from one of the stores. I still wear it. I saw a necklace I loved but the budget had blown out after the morning shopping... so I walked over to the other side of the Arno and around the touristic shops.
Decided not to waste time and started the hot and sweaty climb to Piazzale Michelangelo. Finally made it there. I felt like I had taken a sweat bath – I know TMI.
There were a lot of tourists and wedding photographs being taken. No shade at all. I quickly snapped a few pics and went back down the stairs to find shade.
On my way down I saw Il Gelato di Filo and had a yummy gelato. I think I deserved the treat after sweating up the hill.
It was late afternoon so I went to the hotel for a short rest and a shower. After my cool shower, I changed and set out to dinner. I was going to go to a restaurant recommended by a friend but saw that it was full of tour bus customers. Decided that if I was going to be a tourist I might as well sit in Piazza della Signoria. So that's where I went. I had an aperitif at Cafe Riviore and then was too tired to find anywhere else for dinner. So I had the vegetable Risotto for dinner. The aperitif was great but risotto average.
While sitting at Café Riviore I saw a marathon being run around the city and a big band was playing in the loggia. There was ample entertainment to keep me there for a couple of hours.
Back to hotel for final packing.
Here is a link to my blog post and phoos
http://redsuitcasetravel.blogspot.co...eeing-and.html
Aug 7th, 2014, 06:34 AM
#59
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You stayed in one of my favourite small cities. I love Florence for the same reasons you do: the history, culture, the relaxed atmosphere, walkability, the food and the shopping! Well, there goes your 'shopping diet' but glad you got the purse you wanted! I am never quite sure about items sold in a market - quality, authenticity, etc.
Nice that you got to see a bit of Tuscany. San Gimignano is chocolate box pretty. At night when it's quiet & peaceful, it takes on a magical quality. We had the good fortune to stay there.
Nice that you got to see a bit of Tuscany. San Gimignano is chocolate box pretty. At night when it's quiet & peaceful, it takes on a magical quality. We had the good fortune to stay there.
