So when we had come home the night before, the staff at the hotel told me that all of Italy’s transport systems would be on STRIKE today. Yup, that’s right, apparently they schedule these strikes well in advance and basically carry them out pretty well. Our train to Firenze would still be going, but getting to the train station was another story. 90% of the busses were not running and all the metro’s were shut down. So after we packed out bags, we went for a stroll to the Spanish steps, stopping in Piazzo Di Popolo for a little while to rest and enjoy the sunshine. It was a beautiful day for a stroll.
After reading in multiple travel books about the McDonald’s at the Spanish Steps, my mom and I decided to try it out. I know, McDonald’s, but she had a nice chicken salad and I had a funny burger. It was inexpensive and alright. But the place itself was amazing. I felt like I was walking into a club, nice paint job, sleek modern stools and benches, very large and spacious. It was a pretty interesting experience all in all.
Once we were back at the hotel, we had the staff call a taxi. But with the strike, the line was busy, busy, busy. So, out of the kidness of her heart, Maria at the hotel front desk offered to head to the nearest taxi stand and bring a cab to us! What service!!! The staff at St. Peter’s Guest House has really gone above and beyond their call of duty. We made it to the train station in plenty of time and met up with Melaine there.
Our train was early and also the nicest train I had been on since being in Italy, this is because it was the ‘fast‘ Eurostar train. In no time flat we were in Firenze (Florence). We schllepped our bags a few blocks and ended up at the apartment we would be spending the next 5 nights in. In a great location, views of the Durmo, and a busy restaurant and shopping scene below. Not too shabby, except for one little thing. When booking, it claimed to be on the 3rd floor, it was definately on the 5th floor with no elevator! Sick! And we had way too much luggage. But Melaine and Mom and I championed through and made it up eventually. We hit the grocery store that same night, thanks to the kind directions and help from the hot host at the restaurant below. More on him later.
After deciding on a few menu items for the next few days, we wrapped up our shopping with some fun items and tasty treats. We headed home and decided that since it was close to 9pm, and we were all a little tired, that we would stay in for the night and I would make dinner. Carbonara was on the docket and it was delicious! We will be off to shop and explore Firenze domani, but to bed we head now.
Ciao!
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