Firenze, Italy - September 21-23, 2018

****Luke Blogging***

Florence is quite possibly my favorite city to date in Italy. There is something about Florence that gives it a small town vibe with the amenities of the big city. It did not disappoint. While we only had two days here, they were lovely (minus the melt down at our dinner night...more on that later).

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The city of Florence is situated on the river Arno and is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy.  It is home to Michelangelo's "David" in the Galleria dell A'ccademia, as well as many of the worlds greatest art exhibits in the Uffizi Gallery (sorry we didn't do any art viewing).  Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Dante Alighieri all once called the city home.  This place has a way of inspiring young people, and continues to do so to this day at the numerous renowned art schools in the city.

The Cathedral was finished in 1436 with the Dome designed by Brunelleschi.



There are many bridges that connect the old city, also a UNESCO world heritage site.  The most famous being the Ponte Vecchio.


People still live on the bridge but mainly it is for commerce.  Historically it must have been a gold and jewelry market because that's what seems to be for sale on the whole span of the bridge these days.  Florence is a very easy place to get around.  We walked around most of the old city in a day.  I even dropped the rental car off at the airport and walked back to our apartment in about an hour.  



Possibly the best sandwich I've ever had.  Its top five anyway.  For five euro you can taste this masterpiece also.  Very near the major museums and galleries on the north side of the old city lies All'antico Vinai.  You know you are in the right place when you see the lines.  Don't worry, the lines move quickly and before you know it you will be sitting on a curb enjoying your sandwich and the Florentine architecture just like everybody else.  
 The Spicy salami and cheese.  (I forget the name from the menu)
 The Porchetta sandwich.
The menu is small,  it only has five or six sandwiches on it but I've heard they are all great.
 http://www.allanticovinaio.com/en/

On our second night in the city we walked up to the Piazzale de Michelangelo to watch the sunset.  It is a popular activity so go early to get a spot at the railing of the plaza for the best views over Florence.  


Then we met Milo.  This red haired chubby faced Argentinian kid was Vander's soul mate as soon as they saw each other.  Archie joined in the fun and immediately they were three peas in a pod.  Laughing and hugging each other.  After a few minutes of this they had a crowd of tourists taking pictures, as if it was an act for a few euro.  I tried to charge ten euro a picture but Jackie wouldn't let me saying it was unethical or something.  It was hilarious and incredibly cute.



Listen to Milo and Vander laugh with each other, its almost the exact same cackle.  

After our adventures with Milo and the views of Plaza de Michelangelo we decided to treat ourselves to a traditional Tuscan meal in a local restaurant.  I wanted bistecca alla Fiorentina.  Florentine T-Bone steak.  This thick cut T-Bone is from the local chianina breed of cow.  If it is another breed of cow than it is not a Florentine steak!!  Seared on the outside and blood red inside it is a steak lovers dream.  Beware.........you pay dearly for this slab of meat but I say if you love beef than you have to try it.  Very worth it!!!!  This is Trattoria Giovanni's version.


Trattoria Giovanni was the scene of our boys melt down.  Everything started out beautifully.  Drinks were served and the menus were perused.  The boys settled down in their high chairs comfortably and took in the atmosphere.  We ordered our food and began the wait, we even had bread to help give the twins something to play with and maybe eat. The boys made it until about five minutes after our food arrived. The trip had finally got to them.  The different beds, different cities, and different food finally hit them.  They lost it.  Total meltdown!!!  Wailing, throwing food, silverware everywhere!  It was a disaster.  I managed to enjoy my steak what little I could.  Jackie and Isabel enjoyed their food also but don't remember exactly what they ate because Arch and Van were busy distracting them.  In the end I grabbed Archer and hog tied him to get him out of the restaurant.  The two of us made it home and Jack and Isa took care of the bill and Vander.  Not a great finish to our visit to Florence, but I don't blame the boys.  They were great up until that point.  

Florence was amazing.  I will be back and I will spend the money to see Michelangelo's "David" and Botticelli's "Birth of Venus".  I'm told they are famous and worth seeing.  
Cheers

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