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Report 1005: A Taste of Italy

By Pat and Henry from Kansas, Spring 2006

Piazza della Signoria

Wednesday

We say good bye to Fiorella, hugs, kisses, tears. Drop the car at Avis and get a taxi to Piazza Gramici where we get a bus to Florence, then a taxi to our hotel.

The Hotel Regina is in a great location especially if you like the market. The rooms are basic but clean. My problem with this room is the layout. The bedroom window was looking out over an airshaft. There is a smell coming from the airshaft, I think that there is a vent from a restaurant in the airshaft. Also, the common bathroom window looks right into our bedroom. So we have to close the window because of the odor and have to close the blinds because of the view. At 70 euro a night it is all right for one night. The management is friendly and accommodating.

Lunch is at Trattoria Garibardi located next to the hotel. Pat finds many things at the market including an orange leather coat. It matches the purse and shoes she has already bought. After a quick tour of the Basilica of San Lorenzo and a look at the Ponte Vecchio, we stop at Il Bargello for a glass of Prosecco and to admire the Piazza delle Signoria.

Dinner is at Trattoria Bordino and was outstanding.

Thursday

Pat takes a last look at the market and we catch the train to Pisa and a taxi to our hotel. The Hotel Terminus & Plaza was a very nice hotel within walking distance of the station. The rooms are modern and clean and the staff was very accommodating. We have dinner at Lo Schiaccianoci across from the hotel.

Friday

They open the breakfast room a little early so we could eat before we catch a taxi to the airport.

The flights home are uneventful except for a German airport security guard who gets to know me more than I wanted.