Ciao until next time, Firenze

Florence, more commonly known as Firenze to the locals, has been one of the highlights of my time in Europe. It was difficult to leave, but I know I'll be back someday.

This morning I woke up earlier than I planned since we didn’t plan on going anywhere before heading to the train station. I read for a little while and checked emails while Judy slept in. Feeling refreshed and a little more awake, I began the struggle that was packing. I am so thankful that Mario and Beatrice had a washer in our room- that means I have plenty of clean clothes to last the next couple days in Rome before heading home. It did make it a little more difficult to pack them all in one airtight bag- I’ve accumulated some beautiful new dresses, but they take up extra space! I ended up getting everything packed with room to spare, which is perfect since I plan to buy a couple more souvenirs in Rome. Judy and I scoured the room for any leftover items we forgot, and got ready to say goodbye to Mario and Beatrice. They were such wonderful hosts, and even invited us back to stay when we visit Florence again! Judy had already looked up the busses and times for our short trip back to the train station. Upon arriving we found the ATM again and went out in search for a brown crossbody leather bag with a Firenze stamp on it for Judy. We passed a couple questionable looking vendors, but found one that had exactly what she was looking for. Original price of 65 euro, and we bartered it down to 50 euro! It took some uninterested looks from us and actually beginning to walk away, but we did it! Valuable life skill right there, at least in Europe. 

We went to the other side of the station to a café that Judy found online that had advertised a gluten free second level, and I found a multitude of delicious looking pastries! I decided on an apple strudel and a chocolate filled croissant. BEST CROISSANT EVER. I saved my strudel for later, but ended up buying another croissant because the first one was so good. 

Deanna Café

 Judy and I then went into the train station and sat in the fancy Italo waiting area that is air conditioned and has free WiFi. We then proceeded to hop on our train, get situated, and start the final (and shortest) train ride of our time in Europe to Rome. In less than 2 hours we were grabbing the metro at the train station in Rome headed for our accommodation. 

After a false start after exiting the metro, we quickly found our place in Rome, met our host, and geared up to find the nearest grocery store. To save money on food for our last couple days, Judy and I plan to eat groceries for breakfast and lunch (picnic style), and then try our luck at some gluten free restaurants for dinner. Tomorrow is a fun-filled day of sightseeing, so I've got to go charge my camera up! :)