Train to Florence

We took the train to Florence today. It was a nice trip although the usual rush of getting 22 people and their luggage on the train and into the assigned seating. A very pleasant ride though. Our hotel was not too far from the train station; right by the Medici Chapel down town. Florence is SO old. The streets are all narrow and made out of old square/rectangle cut stone (much larger than cobble stone!)

Our hotel was a great example of OLD Florence. This hotel was highly suggested by Rick Steves and they had three of his family's Christmas cards posted by the front desk. Our room was thin and long with three twin beds in it; it also had air conditioning which all rooms did not have -- I am grateful for this. The first night we had our window open and could not believe the noise outside and how early or perhaps late and early it went on.

We visited the Medici Chapel our first day; beautiful. We walked about the street markets near our hotel and of course had gelato -- a daily or more correctly multiple time daily activity. The Duomo was also very near our hotel. It was great staying down town to get a feel for the city. We walked by many beautiful sights this day.