GL 350

Half way there! Does it feel like that? No. Rome is continuing to be an experience like no other. It definitely feels like we've become more of the local crowd and some of us have even recognized the regulars on the regional train. We aren't stared at as much anymore, just becoming another Italian person. This weekend we traveled to Florence on the fast train, which was beautiful and exciting. Florence seems like such a big city upon arrival, but soon I realized that it was so easy to navigate.

I think everyone should experience a fast train at least once in their lifetime. I had to say it was so much easier than going to an airport and having to deal with the nuisance of security. This train lulls you to sleep in comfy chairs and free wifi. As we were walking through the train station, I noticed that Florence was much cleaner and less congested than Rome (mainly because it was smaller), but I loved the atmosphere immediately. Our hotel was quaint and classy, and my roommate and I received a room overlooking a beautiful square. 

We walked a simple 1 hour tour after dropping our bags off and I found the city to be much like Rome, just without the congestion and many Americans. Spark mentions in the Smiles book that you could walk down the street and find a fountain by Bernini, which is the way Florence is also. You could be walking down a small street and then suddenly in front of you in the great Duomo. Every time I found the Duomo I knew exactly where to go in the city, it became a centralized location for me. 

Florence also had a great nightlife which I loved about it and everything was in walking distance of our hotel. I think I enjoyed the city so much because it was more intimate and I could find things so close. There was no catching trains or riding buses or even watching out for that many crazy Italian drivers. It was just a more relaxed atmosphere, which was a nice break from the hectic Rome days. While I am more than okay with being back in Rome, I would not mind another weekend in Florence.