Travelog: D5 Florence, Italy

DESTINATION : Florence, Italy
Travel period : 01-03.05.2013

DAY 5

continue to my previous post from Rome, we have arrived at de regional capital of Tuscany and also my favourite city in Italy: Florence. Tuscany is a region in central Italy.

i) Hotel Residence La Contessina Firenze

although de hotel is secluded in a courtyard on a side street, it is pretty much convenient as it is located close to de main station and within walking distance to most of de tourist attractions. we have opted for:

Family Apartment at €450++ for 2 nights

only 1 WiFi connection is free (upon request)

breakfast inclusive

de apartment consists of a ground-level bathroom. at first floor, you get de dining table, kitchenette, pull out sofa (double bed), a single bed, and a loft bedroom at de second floor. a cleaning fee of € 25 would have been charged if de kitchen is used. it is quite absurd for an apartment to come out with such rules (de actual charge not properly mentioned in de web) but breakfast was satisfying nonetheless. it was also a blessing in disguise as later we found out Florence actually offered a huge variety of restaurants and food shops at an affordable price (=

ii) Lunch at Antica Pasticceria Sieni

with free WiFi

CLOCKWISE

#1 Tourist-menu: Mixed seasonal vegetables with egg; and Lasagne €10

#2 Cappuccino

#3 Spaghetti with tomato sauce, bacon, and onion €6 ---recommended  

#4 Complimentary bread 

#5 Vegetariana: tomato puree, cheese, mixed of sliced vegetables €6

#6 Classica: tomato puree, cheese, ham, and mushrooms €6

this is one of de le nostre (meaning our) bruschette that they actually made to size similar to a mini pizza. yummy!

iii) Florence street art

Surrealist Piano ---by Dali.

one strange art where de artist has chosen to transform de banal wooden legs of a piano and replace them with female legs, thus creating an animate, joyous instrument that is brought to life through its own musicality.

Florence's funny street signs ---by Clet Abraham.

I was de first person who noticed this and pointed out to everyone. it sooner became my favourite in paying attention for another undiscovered street sign. too bad we missed out Clet's studio that others claimed selling these stickers and other fun items. awww...

vi) Duomo- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore @ Piazza del Duomo 
this is one of de important squares to see in Florence. being de icon of de city, Duomo is also one of Italy's 'Big Three' (with Pisa's Leaning Tower and Rome's Colosseum). de building exterior is covered with a fascinating mix of white, pink, and green marble that made itself a unique attraction.

sisters at de front of Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto).

perhaps only climbing de tower if I'm here for de third time =)

de iconic red-tiled dome of de Duomo.

him | her being touristy =P

v) Piazza della Signoria

located just a few steps from Piazze del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria is another must-see square in Florence. you'll definitely not miss this famous square that is located in de heart of de city with an outdoor sculpture exhibit.

a copy of Michelangelo's David statue.

de original statue was moved to de Accademia Gallery and replaced by de copy of David standing in front of de entrance of Palazzo Vecchio.

Palazzo Vecchio.

de town hall of Florence.

a quick stroll on de free art.

it was a cloudy day.

vi) Ponte Vecchio ("de Old Bridge")

de Old Bridge is another famous landmarks of Florence and also my personal favourite. during ancient times, butchers and fishmongers initially occupied de shops along de bridge. later, it was decreed that only goldsmiths and jewellers were allowed to have their stores on de bridge. today, de bridge is still lined with little shops selling gold, jewellery, arts, and tourist souvenirs. everything is just nice to see, dare not to hold.

views of de Arno River.

de Old Bridge that crosses Arno River.

a picturesque moment before hit by heavy downpour (=

travel tips: if you really must stop into a cafe for its washroom, be sure to buy at least a drink or even a glass of water to go with your visit. de owner will be more than happy to welcome you =)

moving on to Travelog: D6 Florence, Italy: The Best of Tuscany Tour (day tour).

END