We arrived in Florence on the train and went straight to our hotel to get rid of our bags – then hit the streets of Florence and the market and shops. What wonderful shopping we found here in the markets, especially with leather wallets, belts and jackets; scarves, clothing and a whole food section – we didn’t go in there, though! Too much to entertain us with the antics of the salespeople all trying to sell us leather jackets! Clare found the leather jacket of her dreams and has willingly modelled it for us any number of times! Vanessa found the most beautiful purple leather, cashmere lined gloves – so soft! And I went a little crazy with the scarves – well, we all did!
On Friday morning we went on a guided walk of Florence with a company called Art Viva. Our guide, Sophie, was so knowledgeable about all the buildings, art and history of Florence; it was a most entertaining and interesting 3 hour walk around the city.
We have had some excellent meals in Florence – great pastas, pizza, coffee – I’m sure there are no bad meals here!
It’s now Saturday morning and we’re on a train to Venice.
I just have to add that I woke in the night to find Clare checking the cupboard to make sure her leather jacket was still hanging there safely! ..she tip toed back to bed thinking we were none the wiser for her night time activities!
Lou Lou went, crazy market shopping!...Is an understatement!!!! She was truly hyperventilating as she roamed her eye over the colours and variation of the fabrics and product on sale from the vendors. Mind you, she does scrutinise everything and not just rush in for the first thing on offer.
As you can imagine, Clare thoroughly enjoyed the flirtatious approach of the vendors and played her part extremely well! It was hilarious to witness ....these guys thought they were irresistible to any woman, and were so confident of an impending sale that when the crunch came, they were disgusted that she didn’t buy from them!! ... and then they put down Aussies and walked off! The cheek!
Absolutely loving the train we’re on at the moment – a “frecciargento” train that has a long bullet nose and reaches speeds of up to 280km/hr. We’ve had champagne, coffee, biscuits on board – all part of the 1st class service – this is the way to go! And spectacular countryside that we’re passing through too.
Florence’s shopping was sensational. The markets were unbelievable – mostly leather goods. Lou Lou and I have looked at umpteen different purses in every style, colour and type of leather, while Vee is the fundi on belts – from the colours to the buckles. Our bags are at bulging point again, but Vanessa managed a last minute mammoth effort with more scarves on the way to the station – she has to wear them, as there is no more room in the bag! Lou Lou is so wound up (pardon the pun) with her scarves and I know for a fact that my jacket is safe and sound in my bag. Venice, here we come!
The antique lift to our room - hey! it works!
Florence!
Our roof top
This is a view of the corridor built which joined two palaces and the inhabitants could safely go between residences - it is 1k long.
The bridge over the river is lined with the most exquisite jewellry shops and is called Ponte Vecchio. All the shops are owned by old Italian famillies and are passed down through the generations.
Every shop had very different designs, some specialised in various stones whilst others were just full on gold!
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