Last day in Firenze (Florence)
Trip Start
Apr 23, 2012
1
14
23
Trip End
May 30, 2012
What I did
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Of course off to Café Scudieri and, upon entering, we are greeted with a wonderful smile by the gentleman that served us the first day. We are regulars now, so we know the drill and order up. Our conversation turns to what we want to do/see before we check out and pick up the car we are renting for our Tuscany adventure. It’s back to the paper shop and then off to the San Larenzo Mercato Central. This indoor market houses fresh bread, oils, wines, mushrooms, meats, fish, cheeses, fruits, veggies and more. It is in the heart of the city and the major market for all that is Italian and all that is fresh to purchase.
Off to get the car and begin our journey south toward San Gimignano. We were warned about Italy driving but nothing would prepare you for driving IN Florence. It is nuts and confusing. We actually tested our witsends by trying to drive back into the central district to pick up our luggage. We are informed we must pay 1 Euro and report our license to the hotel because the area we are to drive in to pick up our luggage is a “forbidden area” with a fine of 500 Euro if you don’t have a “permit.” It is tough but we succeed in getting our luggage and begin our journey out of the city toward San Gimignano. Directions to the big highway, the A1, seem straight forward. But, Florence has this way, or shall I say Italy has this way of mentioning which way, and then there is no signage and you find yourself not going where you need to go or think you’re going. Fortunately, everyone is kind and helps us find our way when we are lost.
Leaving Florence was a blessing. We will be back, but Laurie and I are very happy to leave the big city and continue our journey into the heartland of the Tuscany region for some laid back adventures and discoveries.
And the Frattoria Voltrana is just the beginning…..
