Day 29: Florence- Street Markets and Piazzale Michelangelo

My plan for the day was to just enjoy Florence... hit the street markets, check out the view from Piazza Michelangelo... And probably have some gelato. First of all though, I wanted to take photos of the people in line for the Accademia. Rude, I know, but I was so lucky to not have to wait at all and I wanted to mock the less savvy tourists! Unfortunately for me, I couldn't take pics of them because... the Accademia was CLOSED due to a strike. Ooh you should've seen the looks on the angry tourists' faces. Now I was REALLY feeling happy that I decided to go on Sunday!



























Next I went to a cute little restaurant called La Mescita Fiaschetteria.



The owner, Mirco, told me I had to start with a glass of white wine... Even though it was only 11 am. It didn't take much to twist my arm though. I told him to make me his favorite thing on the menu, so he did: Risotto Fiorentino. It's basically rice with peas and beef ragu, and it doesn't look like much... but WOW. He didn't lead me astray! He also gave me a plate of "strawberry grapes" to try, grown by one of his farmer friends in the area. Also delicious!















































































Next I did a little shopping. I found a little shop with cool handmade leather bracelets for sale. I was just sort of checking them out, but then the shop owner came out and told me that he makes them on the spot and could do whatever colors and sizes I wanted. They were sooo cheap that I ended up getting the triple-wrap thin leather braided bracelet... in eight different colors.





















































I walked further down the street and ran right into the huge street market that Is famous in Florence. For sale it's mostly leather purses and coats, scarves, belts, t-shirts, and jewelry. I was looking for a nice wallet and maybe a gift or two for family. Most of the sellers were so friendly, though there was a really aggressive Asian guy who offered me a great price on a purse that I wasn't really interested in... And when I told him "the price is good, I just don't want it..." he started yelling and calling me stupid for not buying it at such a low price. I DON'T CARE IF IT'S CHEAP, SIR, THE PURSE IS UGLY, LEAVE ME ALONE. Other than that though, I had a very pleasant shopping experience :)





















































I wanted to see Piazzale Michelangelo, a high lookout point that other travelers had told me about. I didn't really know a specific way to get there, so I just started walking in the general direction. I went a little off the beaten
path, but walked past some pretty great scenery on the way.





















































I came to a fork in the road where my map sorta just cut off. An Italian man on a moped (or scooter, or bike, or something... I don't know the difference) told me a way that he said was much longer but much more beautiful. Eh, why not... I didn't have anywhere to be! So I took his advice and directions. The walk was long, and beautiful, as promised! It was also really quiet, as apparently most tourists take the easy-but-boring route.



























(I want this house... Amazing views)















































































On my way to the Piazzale Michelangelo, I stumbled on this 'little' gem... the San Miniato al Monte, a huge basilica overlooking the city.

























































I do love randomly running into gorgeous churches! A short walk from there brought me straight to Piazzale Michelangelo, with some stunning views and yet another replica of the David!

















































































After hanging out there awhile and taking photos, enjoying the weather, and chugging a nice cold coca cola light, I went back toward the city center.



























I rested up at my hostel, packed my things, and went out for a late dinner at Osteria Vineria i'Brincello. My strategy of ordering whatever my server recommends hadn't failed me yet, so I did it again. Pici (homemade noodles, like a reeeeally thick spaghetti) with ragu and mushrooms. Deeeelicious!