"I visited at last and ended up going... " a Florence Travel Page by leics

I had planned a visit to Florence in October 2004 but events transpired and I cancelled. I managed to finally get there for the first time in 2006.

I had been intending to go to Florence for ages, especially after enjoying Rome so much, although I'm not (if I am truly honest) much into 'great art'. So I decided to do my usual thing: wander about, people-watch, keep away from the throng as far as is possible, take note of what interests me and see what I can see. Oh......and eat ice-cream/cakes etc.

I now realise that arriving on Easter Monday 2006 was not the best idea I have ever had. The city was stuffed.........of course, all the locals were on holiday, as well as loads of students arriving back for the beginning of term. I did wonder if the whole stay was going to be as horrid but, fortunately, things were better for the rest of my visit. Not a place to go in high season though, unless you enjoy crowds.

I liked wandering around the city, particularly early in the morning before the tour groups arrived. The narrow streets and tall buildings are a logical way of providing shade (Carcassonne was similar), but it did feel rather like a rabbit warren sometimes. I have a good, innate sense of direction and have never needed to refer to a map as often as I did in Florence (maybe it was because I could rarely see the sky/ sun?). I found it incredibly difficult to get my bearings, and had to retrace my steps more than once.

As ever, I looked for 'old bits'............and there were many, of course. For me, the Medieval area around the Bargello was most entrancing. I thought the 'rustic' style of many later buildings just plain ugly, although I am sure they are stunning inside (didn't go in any, queues too long). And the churches were wonderful.....especially the smaller, less frequently-visited ones. All seemed to have something special inside (the whole city is a giant museum, I suppose), the oldest ones (the Baptistry, S. Miniato..........see travelogues) being particularly interesting.

Getting out of the city to Fiesole was a good idea. It was a chilly, windy day and there was hardly anyone else wandering around the Etruscan/Roman remains. Next time, I'll visit Siena and, possibly, Pisa as well. Florence is wonderful, especially if one loves art, but far too much to take in without breaks.

Specially good bits? Hearing the Olivetan monks singing plainsong in the crypt of S. Miniato al Monte, as monks have for over 1000 years; drinking real hot chocolate with cream in Fiesole; seeing Florence from above, from Fiesole and Piazza Michelangelo; ice-cream(s); the Ponte Vecchio (from a distance); the Baptistry.

Glad I went, will go again but will definitely avoid Easter Monday!

And I did go again this year (2007, and avoided Easter altogether). The ice-cream from Vivoli was just as wonderful, I had two superb meals, I wandered round (and didn't get so lost this time), braved the bus to Siena and generally had a good time (albeit somewhat chilly and damp). O....and I saw my first-ever coypu!

I expect I'll go again.

And I did this year(2008) just for a day, when based in Pisa for 4 days exploration of Pisa, Lucca and the Cinque Terre (I have made pages for La Spezia, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore). Florence was as busy as ever, heaving with tour groups and independent travellers of all nationalities.

I wandered around, this time properly exploring the excavated remains of Santa Reparata underneath the Duomo and looking at the rather superb detailing on the exterior of the latter (see travelogue below).

Florence is worth visiting again and again......I doubt that will be my last time.