Florence or is it Firenze?
I was confused.
For some unknown reason, Florence is called Firenze here in Italy. Tuscany is Toscano, Genoa is Genova, Rome is Roma, Milan is Milano, Turin is Torino, Venice is Venezia, and Naples is Napoli to name a few. Most are recognizable — but not Firenze, especially if you pronounce it like an Australian — Fire-Ends — sounds nothing like Florence. Of course, this was when we were in Australia planning our trip from the Eurail map.
Why did the English decide to Anglicize Italian names? Surely they are not too difficult to pronounce? Unlike San Gimignano (Giminyano) which I have only just managed to get my tongue around, but which we have affectionately named San Jim.
I woke up at the crack of dawn (actually way before dawn — it was still pitch black walking down to the station in Riomaggiore), had a quick cuppa and headed off to Florence. Changing trains at La Spezia and Pisa, I arrived in Florence just after 9.30 am. Just as well I had an early start. I grabbed a ham and egg McMuffin and a cappuccino shake which were delicious. I generally don’t eat McDonald’s when I’m travelling but good ol’ Maccas hits the spot when you’re in a hurry and don’t have cash.
