Day 1 – Florence
I walked from my hostel, up the streets, along the winding alleys, and on that final turn as I walk up the bend I remember seeing a glimpse of the Duomo. And then I took another step, saw its entirety and was completely mesmerized by its beauty, striking colours of green and pink, and white marble. I remember just standing in front of it for a few seconds, trying to take everything in, thinking to myself “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
There’s just something about big old doors with their big old knobs, ain’t it?
Dinner time! At Gusta Osteria, being the non-drinker that I am, I did not get to finish my wine.
Views from the top of Boboli Gardens. Now that, was a workout
Day 2 – Tuscany in a Day Tour
Started our trip at the leaning tower of Pisa. They say it continues to sink every year. Maybe in a hundred or so years it would completely be underground.
And then lunch at an actual vineyard, with wine tasting to boot!
Of course I wouldn’t let lunch end without an ubas (aka grapes) shot. Coz, vineyard.
And of course, gelato! This time by the gelato world champion of 2006 and 2008, Gelateria Dondoli. Choco + Amarena = ❤️ at the same level as Gelateria Primavera, imho. Tip: Dondoli is such a small place so take your gelato outside, pop a squat along the sidewalk and watch people pass as you eat.
Such a sunny day! Don’t forget to bring water and your hat.
Siena Duomo – there’s a fee to go inside, if you must take a look it is €4 (€7 during peak season). By now I’ve come to realise nothing is free in Italy, or Europe for that matter. Except in Padova, but once you visit the place you’ll also realise it’s not a bad idea to pay. 
Piazza del Campo – This was the last stop of our tour and as I went down (or up, I can’t remember) the stairs, as soon as I saw the tower and the plaza it just took my breath away. Sitting down at the plaza is free and a good past time.
xoxo
it begins with a step 