Florence and Then Some...

Hi Everyone!

I must apologize for being so lax with the blog recently. Italy is definitely the type of country you find yourself immersed in. I would also like to apologize in advance for any spelling errors or word confusion as I now update every blog with an Itouch. I find autocorrect to be both a blessing and a disaster!

But now onto more important things! Florence and Tuscany o and Chianti and then of course of bit of Umbria; and now my inability to keep my blog up to date makes more sense! Stacy and I ended up making Florence our homebase for our travels through that region which was a great decision. We spent 2 days touring the city. We climbed the duomo, meandered through the open air markets, sat awe inspired in front of David (which not to sound cliche is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen) and of course we've devoted much if our time to doing as the locals do; wining and dining. The wine is indescribable, even the most simple of table wines are far better than anything in the states and spend a little more and you won't be sorry. The food here is also something of an art. Even things as simple as a meat and cheese plate is divine. Of course much of this area is very touristy so for the most part we've eaten and drank where our guidebooks have recommended and they've yet to lead us astray. I also have to mention my favorite restaurant was a place called Mario's; on a side street just off the open air market. The BEST pasta with meatsauce Ive had my entire life! You fight for space with the locals and end up dining amongst eachother and ther is always a wait. Trust me though, this is a place worth waiting for!

We also ventured into smaller towns in Tuscany, Chianti and Umbria. We sampled wines at small family owned vineyards in San Gimignano, Greve and a few smaller towns. We rode a tram to Orvieto, a small town atop a hill in Umbria and attempted to see another known as Cavita de B. (to out dismay the bus didn't run on Sunday so we never got to see it).

On out way to Rome, our final stop, we spent a night in Siena which was my favorite of them all! If you're looking for museums and a true tourist experience then this is NOT the place. Siena was amazing because it was less touristy yet easy to manage. Stacy and I spent all afternoon and evening sitting in the Piazza, sampling some food at this amazing restaurant (o how I wish we could recall the name) and drinking casually amongst the locals. It went all night like that; we changes seating but we stayed and mingled amongst those that lived there and it was one of my favorite nights. Siena is a place not to be missed although a day/night is plenty as the town is small.

Now we are in Rome and I can't believe the trip is coming to am end! Rome is amazing as so many have told us, but Rome is a whole different story so I will write soon on that...

Ciao!