Florence

Market & Church

It was nice to have a slow start to the day. At about 9:30 we set off for the Central Markets following our trusty map and trying to read the street names which at times were hard to find. Having read about the market on TripAdvisor, we were not disappointed in what we found. Every type of fresh produce to tempt the palate. Stall holders offered small tastings of olive oils, prosciutto and cheeses. Who needs lunch?

The building housing the market is not only great to look at and in atmosphere but airconditairconditioned, which on a warm day is nice (about 28C and walking makes it feel hotter). Of course we now quite like the odd coffee and the availability of WiFi made our stay a little longer. The crowds built as it approached midday and lunchtime. Many of the stalls will prepare fresh jambons (sandwiches) or panini for you. However, we chose two slices of a fresh torte made of spinach and ricotta cheese. Absolutely delicious!!! As the crowds increased the WiFi performance declined to the point of being the same as the hotel - pathetic. So on we ventured with trusty map, fighting our way past stalls of leather goods, scarfs, and the usual tourist fare.

Eventually we came to the church of St. Maria Nouvelle, which dates from the 13th century and is very well preserved. It had also been a Dominican monastery so there was plenty for us to see.

The market and outside the tourist traps

St. Maria Nouvelle

The outside of this church was just as delightful as the inside. Just think what these walls have witnessed over 900 years? 

With our feet beginning to flag we slowly took ourselves back for a shower and little siesta before heading into the Tuscan hills to a villa once occupied by Machiavelli. It is a working winery and fine restaurant ( oh how sad!!) . Regrettably we have no pics of this wonderful evening. The wine was great and the five course meal superb. When we returned to the hotel we finished with a nightcap in the bar. Very nice. Don't know what the drink was that Simon the barman poured for us (on the house) but as he filled the ten shot glasses the liquid turned from deep green to deep red. All from the one jug...some sort of vodka based cocktail.

Anyway goodnight and goodbye from Florence as tomorrow we head to Roma!

Ciao, Poss and Pop