Day 20 Florence

Another 26000 steps as we walked all over Florence. After a late start we sorted out our arrangements for next couple of days and our washing. After a very hot walk we decided to take a break and retreated to the apartment. It has seemed hotter today 35 degrees. At 5 pm we left for another big walk up to the Pizzale Michelangelo. Located on the plateau to the south of the Arno River, the Piazzale Michelangelo is the best lookout to see the most impressive view of Florence. We then continued up the hill to the San Miniato al Monte church where we ended up at 6 pm Mass which was in Latin and sung by a some monks. It was a beautiful atmosphere with a smallish congregation of tourists and locals and 8 monks singing their vespers after it. By the time we came down the temperature had dropped and we got some great photos as the sun was setting. We returned via lots of small streets and alleys pleased to be n bed did the night. Our last day in Florence is tomorrow.
A few things I haven’t mentioned: everyone is asking about the heat wave. Yes, it is very very hot, but surprisingly you are not very likely to get sun burnt. It does necessitate buying and drinking heaps of water which is never free in a restaurant. Occasionally we have found a street fountain where you can fill up a water bottle from the running tap. And of course there is always a beer or Aperol Spritz and gelato close by. Our accomodation here which was an Air B N B we booked in 2021 and then rebooked for this trip. . It is four floors up on the top of a 500 year old building looking out at The Duomo which is right across the road. It is also only 15 minutes walk from the railway station. The square is super busy during the day and usually some entertainment at night. Apart from having 87 steps to climb ( they are busy installing exterior elevator) it is so handy and so well equipped including a washing machine out on the balcony. Also excellent air conditioning. Food-well we love Italian food but craving fresh green vegetables as they are in short supply here unless they come with their specialty steak which is so expensive. Consequently we seem to have eaten an endless diet of carbs. Did have Caesar Salad one day but hard to find the lettuce and cucumber in it. Surprisingly meals are costing about the same as in NZ but pizzas and pasta definitely the cheaper option. Walking- an average of 20,000 steps each day so hopefully making up for the pizza and pasta.Read more