Italy 4 - Florence

Random ceiling shots from the Uffizi

I liked it, well enough. Lots of handbags, leather goods, art, and people! I could see getting your city fix in this town, while it's still small enough to walk around. That is appealing. I can't see needing to go to Rome and Florence though, on the same vacation unless you have lots of time to do it, and aren't traveling in the hot hot heat and crowded streets of summer. That said, it is a wonderful place, with many restaurants, cafes, galleries, etc. And gorgeous bridges! We stayed on the 4th floor of a residential building, in a less touristy neighborhood. It was close enough to walk to and from the main train station in town, and equally close to the galleries and museums we wanted to go to. The streets are seriously narrow though, so lugging a rolling suitcase was a challenge when cars wanted to pass.
We saw the David, which was the main reason I wanted to go to Florence. And also visited the Uffizi Gallery which was great.
Probably our favorite thing was a cafe/plant shop/gift store/restaurant/banquet space -- yes, all one thing -- we went to several times. The first day we were there we talked to the owner who was young-ish and seemed pretty cool. Hence, we returned again and again.

Obika Bar

There was a spectacular fireworks show one night because of some sports game finale thing in town.
Not quite soccer, but something ...
Not a good photo, but one of the better fireworks shows I've ever seen

Our favorite cafe