Florence is proving to be one of those places that I seem to enjoy more each time I visit. Despite being full of tourists it manages to retain an amazing charm with so much history/culture while still feeling like a place where people actually live and work. Even though it was my third trip, so much still felt new. Not too surprising I guess given all of the sights it has to offer. Just wandering the streets a little bit away from the centre could provide a trip in and of itself. It was the first time my Mom had been so we visited the two major museums, and much like visiting the Met in NYC or Louvre in Paris, the Uffizi has such an overwhelming collection it is impossible to even begin to take it all in during a visit.
Add all of the great Italian food and wine, which we sampled in abundance, to the museums, churches and architecture and I have to put Florence near the top of my list of must see European cities. I will admit it is tough for me to pass judgement on great Italian cities having not yet been to Rome or Venice. However, I find it hard to imagine either could match Florence’s for its ability manage the crush of tourists without losing any of its quaintness and that great relaxed feel that makes visiting Italy so wonderful. I am eagerly awaiting my trip back with Jess in early July!
Oh yeah, we also visited Pisa, which somewhat to my surprise is well worth at least a day on any trip to the region as the city itself deserves exploring beyond just popping in to see the tower and amazing Duomo.
- Jason
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