Friday, July 20, 2018

Last day

Yesterday was the last, full day of this wondrous holiday. It hasn't flown by, for me, but we are all looking forward to getting home to our family, friends, house, and animals.

Our main objective for yesterday was to enjoy the Giardino di Boboli, and while we were all terribly hot, they didn't disappoint. The colours were simply greens, greys and browns, no flowers, but that just highlighted the sky and the expansive views of the city and beyond.








A whole day, at least, would be needed to properly explore the gardens, but we headed back over the Ponte Vecchio for lunch and shopping, before a rest in the cool apartment.


Later in the afternoon, Toby and I went wandering. We went to Santa Croce, which was closed, most unfortunately, so I'll just have to watch A Room with a View again, to see the inside.


We went inside the Palazzo Vecchio (town hall).....


...and admired the gallery of statues next door at the Loggia dei Lanzi.



We topped it off with dinner at our favourite restaurant - we get attached quickly - and gelato on the walk home.


We have slept in and are now packing, for the last time. We were very thankful to discover that the owner of our apartment is happy for us to stay until we need to leave, at 3.30, so we are taking it slowly, and keeping cool. We'll do a tiny bit more wandering and shopping in Florence before flying to Frankfurt (can we count two hours at the airport as a visit to Germany?), then Singapore where we will have dinner with a friend (nine-hour stopover), and finally, home.

Here are some reflections on where we have been:
  • so many people smoke, or vape!
  • it is hotter here at lower temperatures.
  • there are dogs everywhere - in the shops, in the cities, even cities with no grass.
  • traffic in French and Italian cities and towns is crazy, and I could not even attempt to drive, or ride, in the narrow streets.
  • all but two places we stayed had just a fitted sheet and doona, no top sheet. This is madness, there needs to be something between a doona (way too hot for summer) and nothing!
It hasn't been perfect, but it has been wonderful. Thanks for coming along for the ride, see you at home! 


3 comments:

  1. We are looking forward to your return and filling in of any gaps in your amazing trip. Beware of the cold you will find here in WW, it will be a contrast to the weather you’ve experienced for the last five weeks. Travel safe, hope you get at least some sleep ✈️😴

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  2. Thanks for the ride, photos and commentary! Can't wait to catch up.

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  3. Looks like a fantastic trip!

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