Florence

A long day leaving Venice. A few hours to pass but instead of leaving bags at hotel, we headed to station and played tag team minding the bags/looking around La Roma area. Found the cars, buses, modern buildings and even a park!

Arriving in Florence right on dusk- in the rain is really not a grand idea. We already know that Google Maps cannot be trusted in medieval (or renaissance!) towns. Finding our apartment had its challenges but eventually succeeded. The beggar on the steps of the nearby supermarket was almost the final straw for us both! If only they didnt feel obliged to get in your face, look mournful and persist. I have tried ignoring but now wait until they come in close before yelling loudly - "No". We have estimated we would be very much poorer if we supported them.
So it was a relief to cook dinner and 'chill' in the apartment.

A new day - sunshine but cool, so after breakfast we walk to the nearby Cathedral. Follow this up with a poke around the markets - leather goods in abundance but more interesting is the food section.

Wandered back for lunch and a quick nap. We are wilting and have a walking tour at 2lm. Once again an interesting insight into the Medici family, with some famous sights thrown in. Finished over Ponte Vecchio, in front of Palazzo Pitti, so great opportunity to browse the Ponte and Piazza Signoria before having a gelato (that had to be held in beanies because night temps are dropping) then wandering home past designer label shops.
Home cooked dinner (Italian style pasta with veges and beef) was so welcome!