Europe 2024: Florence, Italy

November 2, 2024

It’s my first full day in Florence. The weather is still warm and sunny. I’m thankful for the warmth, it’s needed. I’m waiting to walk over to the pasta class I scheduled. It’s the only thing I booked for Florence and I’m quite ok with that. This city is beautiful. The architecture is all consuming. I find myself wanting to take pictures of everything! I have two full days here and feel like I’m going to see everything I want. I’m in the last week of my trip and a lot of my time has been spent wandering the cities I’m in. It’s given me plenty of time to ponder and reflect. I’m incredibly thankful for this time in Italy. It’s still surreal that I’m here, but I’m soaking up the sites. Tomorrow I’ll go for a little hike and explore more of the city. 

If anything, honestly, this trip is inspiring me to COOK. I’m excited to eat more good food today and tomorrow, here in Florence. Today’s class will include a significant amount of pasta eating, to which I will happily sacrifice the space in my stomach for. Fresh handmade pasta in Italy... how could I say no?

Six more days here in Europe. I’m in the home stretch and although I’m excited to go home, I’m thankful for my time here. I’ve grown a lot, been challenged in ways I never thought I’d be, and seen things I’ll remember forever. It’s been really good for me. I needed it. 

I know I CAN travel solo and survive, borderline thrive at this point. Italy has really captured my heart. The history, the architecture… the food... all of it is incredible. This trip has been a blessing. I’m very blessed. It doesn’t look how I thought it would but I’m grateful to be where I’m at in life. I pray for more good things and good lessons ahead. Whatever they may be. 

November 3, 2024

It’s Sunday afternoon. I’m sitting at a restaurant here in Florence, right in the river. The weather is in the 70’s and sunny. It’s been summer weather ever since I started this whole adventure. I keep thinking, “I should have brought sandals” but with the amount of walking I've done, the new balance shoes were probably the best choice.

I just ordered an Aperol spritz, per my sister's recommendation. I’ve done a bit of walking today... nothing compared to other cities I’ve been to, but I had a good uphill climb to see the Florence skyline. It was beautiful. So beautiful, I wish I could have shared it with someone. The were pros and cons of solo traveling - the biggest con being the desire to have shared this trip with someone.

I leave tomorrow around noon for Venice. I’m thinking I’ve just about seen everything I wanted to in Florence. I did my pasta making class - we made tortellini and ravioli, both filled with a homemade lemon ricotta filling, and used the leftover pasta dough to make Pappardelle noodles. Our fantastic instructor taught us how to make a homemade bolognaise - how the locals make it - it was wonderful. I sat next to a couple from Florida. They too were traveling around Europe. We chatted about different places we had visited or wanted to visit. I’m quite content with my time here... it's not as busy as Rome.

Tomorrow, I go to Venice. Pretty, I’m sure. I plan to wander and eat good food. Enjoy the last bit of pasta in Italy while I can (although now that I’ve had that class, I’m quite confident I can make good pasta at home). I’m glad I only planned a couple days in each Italian city... especially here in Florence. I honestly could have done one less day here but that’s okay. It’s the experience and the time to learn, ponder, and plan that matters.

Pizza should be here soon. I chose a Margharita pizza, of course. Then off to wander and explore more of the city before tonight! 

I made my way back to the Airbnb but took my time wandering the city streets. I found a little jewelry store and a couple small boutique shops. I passed by a couple who was singing opera for a crowd. Florence is filled with all forms of art.

Off to Venice tomorrow!