Great quote hung on the wall of my AirBnB room in Florence. After reviews, I decided to give AirBnB a try, and what a great experience it was. Traveling alone is a rolling coaster because sometimes you might really crave a connection with someone just to exchange thoughts and opinions and other you are just grateful to be alone getting to connect with yourself. After some research, I found Savino on AirBnB. He is a young Italian man who has been opening the doors of his home to adventorous souls from around the world who add Florence to their travel list. What a great host! He met me at the train station, and I must say that it was such a relieve, specially after my lovely wet and long experience in Venice. With a warm heart and welcoming smile, Savino welcomes travelers and makes them feel right at home.
On the first night his friends came over and we all had delicious pizza before heading out to dance. They were all very friendly, welcoming and at times I would forget that we had just met an hour ago. Language was never a barrier, in fact a couple of them liked practicing their Spanish and English with me, while I absolutely enjoyed listening to them speak in Italian as I am trying to catch words. "So, you are Mexican and live in the US, so you definitely can twerk, right?". Exactly the words of Lorenzo. If there was a question about it before, it was clear now that we felt confortable with each other.
Florenze was wonderful. The city was not what I expected at all. My expectations were too low compared to what this city has to offer. It's magical, fun, beautiful, and safe.
I refuse to stand in long lines for museums, but meeting Michelangelo's David was a must. After an hour standing in line, David and I met. As soon as I snap a picture of him... my camera dies. If you remember, at this point I dont have a cell phone, so it was just me, David and my intentions to take in every breath of the experience to see him live as most likely I was not going to get a picture with him. Before walking away, a light bulb went off. My iPad!!! With 8% of battery and a terrible camera, I got a shot with this masterpiece that represents triumph in the most humble and courageous way.
A few hours and a hike from hell uphill later, I got to experience one of the most beautiful sunsets. I am a freak about sunsets, and this one has definitely topped off all of the others I have chased.
At that point, nothing could ruin the day... except getting on a bus that was going the opposite direction, and getting to a point where the bus driver turned off the bus and got off along with everyone else in the middle of nowhere. Yep! That happened. I freaked out for two seconds. Then decided that the smart thing was to wait inside the bus for something to happen. 30 mins later the driver came back and we departed again. Ugh! Walking home from the train station, when I though the day was over, the unmistaken beat of salsa music was coming from one of the buildings. What do I do? Of course I go inside to investigate. Sure enough, there was some kind of latin party going on! We really are everywhere! I sat there for a few minutes to enjoy the music, but after a guy's request to have his baby, I left. Can't be more random. That was a great day.
Savino marked my map with great places to eat at, so my second day in Florence was all about hitting the right spots for the famous salami from Florence and gelato, of course!
Tracie, the American girl that I met in Venice, happened to be in Florence so of course we hung out, met a friend of a friend and "cogliere l'attimo".
I must mention that on the third day, I nailed my way back home on the bus!
Ciao!
Dani G.
P.S. Kuddos to Savino for even having a really cute friend ;)
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