Sept 28 - Oct 2: Florence and Prato

Flew from Prague to Florence on twin propeller plane that was filled with about 30 passengers - about two hours on Air Darwin, a Swiss outfit that worked well.  Arrived after dark, so got a taxi to our rendezvous with another Airbnb host in downtown Florence.  This time we had an apartment to ourselves for three days.

Lost in thought........a tired and ill traveller on the balcony of our typical 3rd floor Florentine apartment about ten minutes from the centre.  It was entertaining to sit here and watch life going on around you - washing machines lived on balconies, washing was hung to dry off balconies, telephone calls were made from balconies - we appeared to be the only bods who took their meals on the tiny balconies.  This was a taste of local life away from the tourists who dominated central Florence.

Speaking of tourists - here are couple of the hotspots - the Dom

The Uffizzi Gallery where an 11 Euro admittance became 28 Euro when a reservation was made on line!!!

View of the Arno from the Uffizzi Gallery

Tourist central near the Uffizzi.

Rosemary's interest in the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce saw her take a tour of this famous site; famous for among other things being the burial ground of Machiavelli, Micelangelo, Galileo, and Gioachino Rossini.  The tour involved climbing up through this scaffolding towards the ceiling to examine frescoes painted by Giotto and Donatello.

On leaving Florence, we rode to nearby Prato where we explored the 12th century churches and castles that abound.  That night we would meet Giacomo (Jack), a Warmshowers host.  While sightseeing in Prato, some thoughtless locals stole my good Brooks saddle and pump  - not happy Jan!

A sad sight and a sore tail if you had to ride far.

We had given Jack only 24 hours notice - despite already hosting three mates to dinner to watch Juventus play Galataseray - he was quick to invite us to stay overnight in his lovely apartment and join in the dinner.  A great evening was had - terrific to meet local people in a social manner - next morning Jack escorted us to the train station where we began our journey to the Cinque Terre.  Jack would host our bikes in his garage for the next three days.  Upon our return three days later, I found that my stolen saddle had been replaced - Jack then proceeded to drive us to the car rental office at the airport.  What can I say - the kindness of people is sometimes overwhelming.  May you live a happy and prosperous life Jack.