Benvenuto in Italia (Welcome to Italy)

We had a rough start getting here, but are finally on Italian soil!

We flew from Paris to Florence, and the rough start happened when Dan and Lori were pulled from the security line to have their luggage weighed while we were back in Paris. Remember when we lauded the benefits of traveling carry-on?! Well, the AirFrance flight from Paris to Florence has a smaller carry-on size requirement than American Airlines, so they made Dan and Lori check a bag. Scott and Gayle somehow fell under the radar and got through with no problem. Luckily, we had plenty of time before take off, and the 45 minute delay didn’t impact anything but frustration!

The flight was quick, and on arrival in Florence, we headed to baggage claim, and were anxious to get to our hotel and then to our first Italian dinner!

It’s never a good sign when you end up at the Lost and Found counter at baggage claim! Low and behold, Lori’s suitcase never came through baggage claim! Another 45 minute delay of searching, then filing the necessary paperwork with the airline. We’re hoping her luggage will turn up in the next day or two. Meanwhile, Lori may get to do some clothes shopping in Florence!!

We finally headed to the taxi stand, and waited another 45 minutes (there is apparently some sort of taxi strike, so they were very sporadic in coming to the airport).

We arrived at the Strozzi Palace Hotel at 7:15pm, freshened up and followed the receptionist’s recommendation to eat at La Martinicca, which was a short walk through narrow, winding streets from the hotel.

Finally some good luck!! Our dinner was deliziosa! Gnocchi, tortelli, caprese salad, wonderful wine! We were happy! After dinner, we walked to the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, where the moon was rising and lots of people came out to stroll the plaza!

We also found our first gelato in Italy! Scott got mint chocolate chip, Gayle had mango and lemon, Lori opted for pistachio and salted caramel…and Dan had….vanilla!

Buona notte per ora! Send us some good luck vibes so that Lori’s luggage shows up tomorrow!!

P.S. We turned on the news when we got back to the hotel, and got the news that Queen Elizabeth II had passed this afternoon. It’s pretty much constant coverage on the Italian news stations. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be in London now, instead of Italy. What an amazing reign for a gracious and steadfast woman who served her country with dignity and poise.

Hotel: Strozzi Palace Hotel, Florence (VERY centrally located!)

Transfers: We taxied from airport (waited 30+ minutes in the cab line...not sure if that's normal or not!).

Step Count: 8,415 steps, or 4.25 miles