Toussaints - Florence

I can’t believe it’s been over a month since I’ve written a blog post. When I first started I was so determined that I would post once a day to at least keep myself in check… But midterms, vacation, and being incredibly lazy took over my life for the last month! Although I’ll probably be even busier this month, I’ll be posting more because I realized I have 3 weeks left in Paris….ridiculous.

Quick Recap:
We had a 10-day vacation period called "Toussaints" a few weeks ago and I was able to visit Florence, Rome, and Athens. Although, it wasn’t really a vacation because I have never been so tired in my life (a daring statement to make considering the fact that I’m always sleepy hahaha)

Our flight was at 8 in the morning at an airport that was very difficult to get to. We had to take a night bus and then an hour shuttle bus from Paris...We flew on Ryan Air which was the shadiest airline ever. The stewardess warned us to place ourselves and our luggage strategically to not throw off the balance of the plane...

We arrived at the airport in Pisa and took a quick detour to see the Leaning Tower!
Pisa: 

I thought it would be funny to push up the tower with my midget pinky...not as funny though 

Florence:

We took an hour train ride to Florence which was my favorite city during Toussaints. The city is very small, friendly and the architecture is very village-like and homey.

First (of many) gelato in Italy! Nocciola (hazelnut) flavor is soooo delicious

Just a regular sight in Florence....

On our way up to see Florence from a higher point

Drinking wine and eating rice crackers on a terrace overlooking the city

Gusto Pizza....best pizza ever

Aperitivo - There were tons of places to have appetizers and wine before dinner

Coolest, self-service wine bar

Cannolis...they're supposed to be a specialty in Italy but we never got to try them :(

Hazelnut/Pistachio Gelato bar....

On our way up the Duomo on a super scary, dark, and spiraly staircase, we ran into little bits of light... 

View of Florence from the Duomo

Favorite gelato place in Italy...I think I got...chestnut and persimmon? :) 

The lady put my gelato cone in this nifty holder thing when I was struggling to get money out of my wallet with one hand :) 

Popular panini place in Florence

The line was crazyyy

Only in Europe, a place to hold wine glasses as you eat outside

Random parade through the streets of Florence