[2014 Italy] ORD->FLR

My flight was on a Monday evening, so I went straight to the airport after work. (with my seemingly already heavy luggage...whatever happened to traveling light?) The flight was schedule to make an hour long stop in Rome before arriving in Florence right before 4pm on Tuesday. I was worried the whole flight: what if I can't make the transfer in 1 hour? But then the optimist in me said: if the airline sells that flight arrangement, they will get you on that flight! Ok. I'll take that.

Rome airport was a surprise. Since it's such a popular travel destination, I've always thought Rome is a big metropolitan city. But the airport was tiny and old, and we had to take a bus from the plane to the gate (the only place in the US I remember with this arrangement was Alaska's airport). I was worried the whole time that I won't make the transfer, but I certainly did not expect I'd be stuck in Rome for extra time. After boarding the outbound flight, and even waiting on the tarmac for a good amount of time, the captain announced there was a technical problem and we needed to go back to the gate. And so I spent an extra 2 hours in Rome...

I arrived in Florence close to 6pm. Even though the bus stop for the bus into the city center is right by the airport exit, my legs had a mind of their own and carried me to the taxi stand. I anxiously confirmed the price with the cab driver, as the guidebook warned about dishonest drivers and skyhigh prices. He looked at me matter-of-factly and said: 25 euros.






A quick trip in the cab brought me to my temporary home for the next few days: Hotel Pendini, located right at Piazza Repubblica. After getting my keycard and on my way to the room, I noticed how classical the common areas were. It was as if I accidentally walked into an Italian mansion.

I fell in love with my room instantly. Beautiful hardwood floor, double bed, antique-looking wardrobe and chandelier. This has got to be one of the most spacious hotel rooms I've ever stayed at in Europe. The windows faced an inner courtyard so I can't hear any noise coming off of the piazza. I also don't hear much of my neighbors. Looks like I won't have to unpack my earplugs just yet!

After I got all settled in, of course it was time to go take a walk and get dinner. Right across from the hotel is BNL, the local bank that is part of the Global Alliance with Bank of America so I can avoid ATM fees. To my left is the piazza, and to my right are the major designer stores: Gucci, Prada, Escada etc. What an excellent location! (or terrible, depending on how you look at it...)  

After a quick walk around the neighborhood, I realized the local cellphone store is closed for the day, so I guess I'll have to wait 'til tomorrow to get back on the grid. The Biffoli store that is THE place to go for L'Erbolario products is filled with Asians, so I guess I'll come back another time for that too. That leaves dinner.

The restaurant I chose for tonight is in an alley right by Arno River: Buca Dell'Orafo. It's a tiny place that can maybe seat 20 people, and located under street level, so not much of a view. The waiter efficiently led me to a small table with the menu, and at his recommendation, I went with the Tortino di carciofi (artichoke omelet) and pappardelle sull'anatra (duck sauce pappardelle).   

 The artichoke omelet was like nothing I've tried before. The fried baby artichoke pieces were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and none of that extreme acidity I've come to expect from marinated artichokes. The eggs were just about congealed so it was silky smooth, perfect for someone who just had a tooth extraction last week (don't ask, long story).

The parppadelle was of course handmade, the texture perfectly al dente. While I liked the flavorful sauce, it was a bit too rich for a jetlagged stomach, naturally I order red wine to calm it...After taking care of the bill (oh land of no tip, how I love thee), I walked outside and was greeted by the sunset below. It was love at first sight...

Although the skies are now dark, I didn't feel nervous or unsafe at all. There were a lot of people walking on the streets, and I felt perfectly safe getting a little lost. Florence after dark was mesmerizing.

I didn't get too far, just to Piazza Signoria not too far away from Repubblica. This one has the Florence version of the Neptune fountain, not quite as ornate as the Roman one, but equally beautiful.
 

Piazza Repubblica was close by, and I can clearly see the sign of my hotel on the right side of the building. Guess I won't have trouble finding my hotel in Florence!
 

The stationary merry-go-around seem to be reminding me it's time to call it a night. Tomorrow, my dear Florence, I'll get to know you better. Buona Sera!