Goodbyes: Switzerland to Italy (Florence)

It was sad to leave snowy white Switzerland, but we were so excited to be on the road again or should I say tracks again. The train wound its way along the hillside again and down through Milan then through a huge series of tunnels - we travelled 75 kms and 73kms of that was tunnels! from Bologna and down into Florence. It was a two way high speed train tunnel and it felt at point like you were flying downhill.

Arrival in Florence

We arrived in Florence around 1.30 ish, and unfortunately we hadn't had the internet the day before so we had not confirmed any accommodation and we were lets say a touchy on arrival. Murray and I had our first domestic since we started our "fossils on tour" which saw both of us taking off in different directions (not ideal in a very busy and unfamiliar train station) only to 'find each other' about 10 minutes later and sort our wee problem and get on with enjoying Florence after all we only had a short time there. Arh the joys of travelling! After a few phone calls and a bit of walking we found our little hotel of paradise, dropped our bags off and headed out to see what Florence had to offer. Wow what a place, lots to see, the Piazza del Duomo was not far from our hotel so we headed off there - an amazing piece of architecture and one of the worlds largest Cathedrals. It was truly something, there were churches around every corner so to speak, all beautiful in there own right but so close together. We continued on our own 'free' walking tour, lonely planet and local guides under our wings and camera in the ready and gaping jaws to boot - talk about spot the tourists! The weather was nice and it was very enjoyable just wandering around. We visited Ponte Vecchio the bridge with shops lining both side of it. Built in the 14th century it originally had butcher shops but at some stage they were ordered to remove them and replace with goldsmiths. Every shop had gold and silver on display, and the day we were there seemed to be nobody parting with any cash, so not sure how they make a living. The Arno river didn't look that inviting, a bit dirty although there were people rowing singles and a guy in a kayak. We walked past what we think was some kind of government building which had three guards with machine guns trigger fingers all ready to pull. We saw a church, the Plaza St Maria, a church, the Fortezza Da Bassio, some more churches do you get the picture? But really it was amazing and a really nice city. We felt really safe there walking around late at night. We came across a neat little restaurant which ended up being a really good choice and then headed back to our hotel. All in all Florence you impressed us. Our hotel - Hotel Perosa was lovely and had a 5 star breakfast included.

The next morning we spent looking around again and then heading back to catch the train to Perugia and then on to Umbertide our next helpx stop.