Update

Written on the Train Florence to Venice

We are now heading for Venice after 4 fabulous days in Florence with Jess & Matt. I do not think we would have seen half the things we did if it had not been for Matt’s extensive knowledge of Italy and sounding like a local with all the Italian expressions and mannerisms.

The first night Matt took us to his favourite steak restaurant. I have never had such an amazing steak in all my life Scotch Fillet with balsamic, Jess had mushrooms and  Matt & Russell a Florentine 3cm thick T-Bone we all slept very well that night.

Russell has posted a photo of our hotel room really felt like I was living in the true Italy all but  the shower which was about 700mm x 700mm Russell had difficulty washing his feet as you could not bend down and if you did you hit the mixer and either turned the shower off or got a hot blast.

On our  first day we hired the car (4 door Audi A1) and  did a road trip. Before leaving Florence we went up Piazzaole Michelangelo to take the panoramic photo of Florence along with the other 5 million tourists. It was then onto Lucca. It was such a lovely drive through countryside grape vines and olive trees the true Tuscany.  Lucca was amazing well known for its 4.5 kilometres of well preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city centre and its cobblestone streets which were not great for smooth walking. The walls reminded me very much of The Great Wall, said to Russell Donald Trump may like a visit to get some ideas about building the wall between USA & Mexico.

Lunch in Lucca was a Matt Holland special.  We would have never found the restaurant and would never have experienced the amazing Pizza which I could only eat half of. We continued our wonder through Lucca and then back to Florence. No one fancied dinner that night so it was a few drinks and bed.

Day 3  - Florence. We met Jess & Matt for breakfast – a true Italian one. Croissants filled with custard and an espresso. That is the first time I have gone overboard normally have fresh fruit, muesli and Yogurt. A great day sightseeing - standing on the Pont Vecchio and looking at all the gold jewellery for sale. Matt took us to a leather shop which all his tours go to when in Florence and Russell bought a new wallet. I bought a new handbag but waited till I hit the markets. Our last sightseeing venture was the Medici Chapel -   dating from the 16^th&17^th centuries saw a lot of Michelangelo works dedicated to the certain members of the Medici family. Did not see David as both Russell & I had been on our last trip. We then found a lovely restaurant in the square  had drinks and eventually dinner.

 Day 4  - Road trip Florence to Siena in a slightly bigger Audi A3. Our first stop was San Gimignano -  a little hill town encircled by 13^th century walls and huge towers. Originally there were 17 towers  but only 13 are now left standing.  It was beautiful and the view from the top well worth the trek.

From there we went onto Monteriggioni  - this was not on the tourist trail but recommended by the owner of the hostel Jess & Matt were staying in. It is located on top of a hill and is completly walled medieval town which has mananged to retain its ancient roots and its medieval looks over the centuries.Built in the 13^th century not many changes have been made since. So glad we did this as there were few tourists and you were able to walk around without the push & shove.

Siena – As Russell said only really saw the Piazza del Campo the most important feature as we were running out of time to have the rental back in Florence by 6pm – yes we made it just.

It was then a sad goodbye to Jess & Matt as they headed to Milan to catch their respective flights to Brisbane and London while Russell & I caught the train to Venice. Once we are cruising I will do a little more updating

Love to all Laur