Spent the afternoon, post gelato, staying by the hostel pool, trying to beat the heat. It was in the high twenties again today.. While the morning was a bit overcast and muggy, the sun made it out for most of the afternoon. So, although I didn't pack a traditional pair of swim trunks for the trip (don't tell me, I already know that was a dumb move), we hit the pool and enjoyed the cool water. Made a few new friends, including a German, a Parisian and a Vancouveri...

Had a great morning in Florence. Had breakfast before packing our bags and heading for the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore. We viewed the Cathedral itself before mounting the 500 plus steps of Il Duomo.. Quite a work out, but the views offered of the mural inside and the city outside were probably my favorite part of Florence. I'm realizing that I'm using a lot of synonyms for 'amazing', 'breath taking', etc. So I'll just say this.. If you're ever in Florenc...

Great day today. Lined up in the morning to see Michelangelo's David.. Got in, got to see what all the buzz was about, although I got scolded for taking a picture. Basically did a day of browsing around Florence until it got too hot.. Saw the Ponte Vecchio, the Basilica de Santa Maria Nouvella, and overlooked the Arno River. Had some authentic gelato at the gelato festival here, then chilled at the hostel for a few hours. Finally, we ate some yummy pasta and head...