Florence was so very interesting. There was something to see everywhere you turned in that city. My small group climbed 415 steps to the very top of a tower for the best view of the city. It was one of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen. The day was overall very different. We started in the higher end district with shops like Fendi and Prada around, then we moved into the market where EVERYONE is after a good deal. You couldn't walk down the isles of the market without being "assaulted" by a salesman offering you "a really great deal". The contrast in this particular part of Italian culture is really quite noticeable. American tourists can't walk into Dior or Valentino without one of the security guards following you around like a shop-lifter, where as in the market the sales people fight for your attention. The shopping was one of my favorite parts of the day. We also tried to get in to see the famous "David" by Michelangelo but the line wrapped around the building.
As far as the meal of Florence, I had bruschetta, gnocchi pomodoro and chocolate mousse for dessert all at a fixed price of 12 €. In Italy, the diners order their meals in very small courses. At first I just thought the portions were small, but that's not exactly the case. The menu is separated in that fashion. You first order an appetizer, then either a pasta or fish, and then a main course. Obviously this can get quite expensive so often you see fixed deals like I ordered in Florence. Those are the best way to save money but also have a filling meal.
I did the same this for dinner that night back in home sweet Roma, but I received spaghetti, chicken Marsala and a small salad, all with a glass of Prosecco. It was so delicious. Prosecco was definitely my favorite wine so far.
Also today, we visited the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It was very interesting to learn all about how much the citizens enjoyed watching the killings. Ancient Romans were blood thirsty. The Roman Forum was really cool. You could completely imagine what the first Ancient Roman city clearly looked like.
After that my group did some cool exploring. We also revisited the Pantheon to see the inside. It's a perfect dome all the way around with beautiful art work and perfectly preserved sculptures inside. We decided to enjoy a nice outdoor lunch with a beautiful view of the Pantheon. I ordered classic spaghetti and meatballs which I finished in 5 minutes it was so good. Much like Greece, the hosts in front of all the cafes barter for you to eat at their restaurant. We got offered discounts left and right. We chose one with no sitting fees and a discount. An interesting part of this meal was that the server delivered a bread basket after the meal so we can "clean our plate". I've never been offered that at any other restaurant before but it was an interesting way to end the meal.
I also did some coffee tastings today. In the states, I've yet to have a cappuccino that I loved, but in Italy it's harder to find one I don't love. It's so delicious and smooth. Not bitter at all, but you still get that caffeine kick. In Italy you order your coffee at a counter and throw it back in 3 sips right there at the counter almost like a booze shot. Those types of coffee places are always really busy so you have to go quick, but I got in at a slow moment. That was lucky because the barista took extra time an drew a pretty Christmas tree in my coffee and said "Merry Christmas" when he handed it to me. It was so cool. I definitely think the US needs places like this.
Overall I am falling in love with Italian culture and lifestyle. The fashion, the food and the coffee are enough to keep me here forever, but alas, I've only got one last day. Tomorrow we're off to Pompeii for the day and the Friday I'm boarding two more planes to home. I'll try to do one last post about my Pompeii experience. Until then arrivederci (see you soon)!
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