Travel Day

One of the downsides of visiting so many places is having to pack up, check out and figure out how to get to the next spot. We had a busy morning getting out of Florence - Marshall and I Got up early and climbed the bell tower with no line (and got laundry going for Drake)! I grabbed an espresso at the cafe and then we came back to pack up. Drake and I ran to get paninis from All'antico Vinaio (well known place in Florence) and Marshall and Tanner checked out and hung at the building. There was not a line, but they were not speedy. 

Marshall and I got walked to get the car, while Drake packed and Tanner hung at the building waiting for Drake. We finally departed around 1:00 for Selva de Gardena. We took a detour to drive along lago di Garda which Marshall and I had been to 24 years ago. It was beautiful and worth it - so thankful to Marshall for driving the entire trip. 

We arrived into selva around 6:45 and hit the ski shop next to the hotel right before they closed. We walked to dinner after a bit of time at the hotel getting situated. 

Florence from Above

Wednesday was all about seeing Florence from a different viewpoint. Tanner slept in as he was fighting a cold and Matthew, Marshall and I headed out to meet Drake for his break during class. Unfortunately, Drake's break was early so we just saw him in passing and Matthew said his goodbyes. 

The three of us decided to grab a couple espresso and pistachio Croissant at a little café near Drake's classroom. We then headed back to send Matthew on his way and get Tanner to go suit shopping. We happen upon the perfect place walking around Florence and Tanner got a really nice looking suit. We then went back and met Drake at the apartment and had some eggs Drake cooked us for lunch. 

The four of us then headed to climb the Duomo around 1:45. It was definitely worth the €30 to do this. We can see so much of Florence and could even see Drake's apartment. 

We then headed over across the river to go to where the Palazzo Pitti and the Gardens - yet another view point above Florence. The gardens were huge and we walked the length of them to the Roman gate. 

We then made a stop at a place in Santo Spirito piazza for aperitivo. It was a needed stop for all of us, but especially Tanner who wasn't feeling well. With some food in our bellies, we headed up to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset over Florence. We saw the lights turn on and it was the perfect time to be there. On our walk back. We were talking about the wine windows throughout Florence and happened upon 3 of them and found one that served us. So fun! 

Tanner headed back while we sipped our wine and the rest of us stopped at the "fancy" grocery store. We decided on an easy pizza dinner to wrap up our last night in Florence. 

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Museum Day in Florence

Drake and I hit the parade through town - 9 months until Jesus is born! 

San Lorenzo church outside Drake's apartment 

Drake's place on the left 

Walking through the city at night

Tuesday is a full day of class for Drake so the rest of the Colorado Peavys hit the museum circuit. We were up early to go to the Uffizi. There were lots of people, but it was manageable. I had a site that mentioned the main paintings I needed to see and I saw most of them. It was a long 3 hours for Tanner, but renting the headphones was key to a better experience for all of us. 

We grabbed some paninis and headed back to the Airbnb for a little break before heading to see David. It was definitely worth it. 

We then had a few hours back at the Airbnb for resting, hearts and aperitivo. We decided that we needed a break from Italian food so hit the Indian place not far from Drake's house. We saw lots of other ethnic restaurants and international grocery stores so Drake might have some more options for shopping. We walked around the city afterwards - so great to see it without all the people. 

So nice to have our place close to everything and such a walkable city. 

On to Florence

On Monday, we slept in a bit and checked out at 10:00 and hit a cafe for sweet treats and espresso before boarding the high speed train to Florence. 

After we dropped the bags at Drake's, we walked through the city on our way to see where he had class and also grabbed lunch at a food cart for Lamprodetto - a meal made from the fourth stomach of a cow. (Tanner had pizza in Santa Croce Piazza). We ate it on the stairs of a church and then headed back and saw the highlights of Florence - Uffizi, Palazzo Vecchio, loggia Mercado; and the piazza del Republica. 

We grabbed gelato on National Gelato Day and then checked in and took naps. We did aperitivo at the Airbnb and then walked to the other side of the river across the Ponte Vecchio to Osteria Dell Enoteca which was recommended by Drake's professor. We had Florentine Steak, good pasta and Marshall and Drake got to go to the wine room to pick out the wine. Once again, the last people at the restaurant. We walked back a different way and such a different way to see city without all the people around. Such a walkable city and you can see people why so many people love it. 

(Pictures loaded backwards so end of the day is first) 

View of St. Lorenzo's from our Airbnb 

The duomo 

Ponte Vecchio at night 

Dinner spot

Florentine steak 

Nap time

Gelato on national gelato day! 

Lunch in the piazza 

Getting cow stomach sandwiches - they apparently love their organ meats in Florence 

His wine classroom 

Santa Croce 

View from outside out Airbnb