11.04.14
Lye in after a long nights sleep, absolutely shattered and surprisingly hungry after the massive amount of risotto I had for dinner last night - that was so incredibly yummy! One thing, amongst many, that I absolutely love about Italy is the food. A cheap lunch in which there is as much as there would be for dinner. Then with a bottle of wine, and getting to chill out for two hours after a long day of being a true tourist, wake up the next morning head down to the local caffe for a croissant and cappuccino… this is the life.
Today was our first day of travel by train and out train was at 9.30am, so after breakfast we decided to head over to the supermarket to buy some breakfast food (as breakfast isn’t included in our stay at the next hostel), and also buy lunch for the journey so we bought bread rolls, croissants, crisps, apples and vitamin water - which apparently makes you beautiful - and made our way to board the train. At the train station stupid girls, who despite having helped us find our train, tried to con us out of 5euro which Ellie and I were not having, so instead we emptied our amalgamation of change into their pockets and left them behind in shock. Having only given them 2euro between us as oppose to the 5euro each that they demanded!
Safely on the train, suitcases over our heads and seats found our journey began - although sitting backwards making us feel nauseous. The whole train journey I was stressing about the hostel as on Tripadvisor, after September 2013, there were awful reviews complaining about pretty much everything.
We pulled into Stazione Santa Maria Novella, Florence, and found our way pretty past between my printed instructions and a sheet map on the wall and same as B&B Taddeus (Rome) it was only a 10-minute walk, which was perfect for how tired we were. Upon arrival, I couldn’t believe how relaxed and played back it was, with an outdoor seating area and everything. But you never know, appearances can be deceptive, even good ones. We went to the reception and were pleasantly surprised, the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly and the atmosphere felt very studenty and chilled. Despite what reviews said the check-in was seamless and the staff were so helpful, the gave us a map, a few off the beaten track routes and even the best local amenities.
Our room is beautiful, it has a huge bed and a high ceiling, a massive window with shutters, a view and an ensuite. We may as well be in a hotel, not a hostel! The wifi’s fast and the access into the building is good also. Although not quite as quaint as Rome’s room, it’s definitely more sleepy and relaxed than the buzz of Rome.
Freshen up and we go to the other side of Firenze to see the view which is breathtaking, classical and you feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 19th century. The lookout point was beautiful and full of souvenir shops in which, between us both, we bought 6 bracelets, 6 postcards and a painting much like the one I bought in Rome for my parents, and I <3 Italia t-shirt and 5 friendship bracelet strings.
After a beautiful & breathtaking day we are back in out room, and needless to say, we are relaxed. Ellie so much so that she is napping and me enjoying writing my diary more so today than any other!
I think it goes without saying that I cannot wait for dinner, as usual, I cannot wait for getting into bed and I can’t wait for a day of sightseeing tomorrow. See Ya!
