First stop was the Colosseum, followed by the Roman Forum. Then on to Altare della Patria building (mainly for access to a restroom). Walked to Trevi Fountain for one last glimpse along with 50,000 closest friends - this place is always busy. On my walk to Trevi, I saw a police sting operation where the police were in regular clothing on a motorcycle. They were trying to nab illegal vendors (most are selling bottled water, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas). I then walked to Scuderie Quirinale and explored sections of Rome I hadn't yet walked.
I managed to catch the elusive 53 bus (this is the one we waited for on the first day for way too long before we jumped in taxi) and headed back to hotel. I was really hot and sweaty so I showered and then packed up all my stuff. My total bill was 24 euro! Thanks Hilton points!!! I headed to metrorail and then metro to get to train station. I bought a train ticket to Florence and then went in search of my train. Found my car and seat, then questioned why I bothered showering earlier as I was sweating profusely!!! Ha!
The view from the train to Florence was nothing but rolling hills, grapes, beautiful homes, some rundown homes, and a few cities. I sat across from a young man and his grandma. Right before getting into Florence something caused a delay and we arrived about 20 minutes late. Good thing I wasn't on a schedule! I got off the train and went to find a taxi. I got to the hotel, which was in the newer part of town and settled in before taking a bus into the city.
I checked for best place to eat in Florence and found a sandwich shop in the city (which was a nice change from pizza!). I jumped on the bus and head there. After navigating the streets and piazzas, I found the place - I Girone De Ghiotti. The sandwich was made fresh. While waiting, I met a family from England that was on travel and they were telling me about their recent visit to Florida (they said they loved Orlando and Clearwater - what a small world!!)
Florence is a quaint city that is easily walkable. I checked out some of the piazzas and then walked around the Duomo - what a site!!! The outside of this building is really fascinating with many geometric shapes, a giant dome, and a huge bell tower. I caught the bus back to the hotel (I really enjoyed most of the public transportation because you tend to see more locals and not only tourist). Now time for some sleep before a busy day tomorrow.
I checked for best place to eat in Florence and found a sandwich shop in the city (which was a nice change from pizza!). I jumped on the bus and head there. After navigating the streets and piazzas, I found the place - I Girone De Ghiotti. The sandwich was made fresh. While waiting, I met a family from England that was on travel and they were telling me about their recent visit to Florida (they said they loved Orlando and Clearwater - what a small world!!)
Florence is a quaint city that is easily walkable. I checked out some of the piazzas and then walked around the Duomo - what a site!!! The outside of this building is really fascinating with many geometric shapes, a giant dome, and a huge bell tower. I caught the bus back to the hotel (I really enjoyed most of the public transportation because you tend to see more locals and not only tourist). Now time for some sleep before a busy day tomorrow.
