Italy: My Solo Adventure In Florence
A Tale of Gelato, Panini, and Sunsets
Italy had been on my list forever. It was like that crush you can’t help but daydream about. So, last year in May, I finally decided that it was time to turn those daydreams into reality and I booked my first solo trip to Italy. There were going to be a lot of firsts including this one being my first time to a new country altogether by myself. I had already booked my tickets to Milan while I was on a trip to Wales during Easter. So, that meant that I couldn’t back out now. I wasn’t going to anyway because I was too excited to go there!
Fast forward to the day of my trip, I was landing in Milan but I opted to spend the entire time I had, in Florence. Upon touching down in Milan, having a few hours to kill, I decided why not get started with the trip already and found a famous gelato place and this was my very first taste of Italy. What a way to say, “Ciao, I’ve arrived!”
Opting for a hostel in Florence was a no-brainer for me. I was staying in an all-girls dorm. My aim was not only to just explore the city but also to mingle with different people. The hostel turned out to be a gem, and I’d recommend it to anyone seeking a prime location in Florence. It had big rooms, comfortable beds, and a common kitchen to cook something if you would like. The hostel always stocked up on complimentary breads, and croissants perfect for the mornings when you don’t have time to make your breakfast. They even had a cosy space outside with tables for you to enjoy your breakfast in good weather.
Now begins the actual journey of exploring Florence. I had everything planned — I had booked a free walking tour to learn more about Renaissance and Medici Tales. I’ve come to realise that any trip is incomplete if you don’t learn anything new about the city. But, would you believe it? I ended up missing it because I lost track of time while checking in and unpacking. I was disappointed but I decided not to let it bother me too much since not everything works as per the plan. I started exploring but first I needed a cold drink to calm myself down.
After the cold drink went down my throat, I felt a certain calm in my body and my brain started working again. So, then I checked my list, I had already bookmarked a couple of things I wanted to cover and eat. I started by covering the area around the Duomo and Signoria Square in front of Palazzo Vecchio. The Fountain of Neptune seemed quite interesting to me. A fun fact that I read later about it was the fountain was not revered with quite the level of respect as was originally intended; residents of Florence at the time used its basin to wash clothes and inkpots. Quite amusing, isn’t it?
Wandering through the streets, I felt the pangs of hunger and the first craving that struck me was pasta — because, really, what else would cross your mind when you find yourself roaming in the streets of Italy?
Satisfied after my first authentic Italian meal, I thought, “Why not take my evening to the next level with a breathtaking sunset spot?” The answer to my sunset dreams was Piazzale Michelangelo, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. The panoramic view gifted me with an amazing sunset. The square also has a bronze cast of David(a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance sculpture, created by Michelangelo) facing Florence from the centre of the square. Googling skills: activated.
I wrapped up the day by grabbing a Panini from a famous place called All’antico Vinaio in Florence. It is known to be one of the best street food places in Italy. On my way back, although I was tired, I couldn’t resist enjoying a street show. There was this cute old man dressed as a magician, playing different tricks with people around. It added a special touch to the end of my day.
As I headed back to my hostel, a thought lingered: there’s just something about the city — the vibe, the people, the food — that keeps you wanting more. With the day still fresh in my mind, I found myself eagerly anticipating what tomorrow in Italy might unfold!
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