Day three in Florence and I feel like I know a quarter of the city centre like the back of my hand. Maybe that's because on day one I stumbled into a leather jacket shop, was met by the stereotypical, bushy eyebrowed, super suave, confident, 50 something Italian man, who I will call hereafter Mr. Leather Man, LM for short. He handed me two of the most gorgeous black leather jackets, which he had made, all while rambling to someone on the phone in Italian. I tried them on, was in love, and knew I was screwed because I wouldn't be able to leave Florence without dropping a pretty penny on this jacket. So, after explaining that my credit card number had been stolen via the internet and I would be unable to buy the jacket right then, I proceeded to ask LM for a quote that I could take home, sleep on, then get cash for the next day. He told me I was so cute he'd sell it to me for 15 euro. I laughed, asked again, and was told by his assistant that I'd have to be ready to buy before he got serious. So I left, went to a couple semi disappointing churches, wandered through markets, before walking back by the shopn area to write down the correct street. Next thing I know I hear someone next to me saying "you're going to be cold tonight without a leather jacket", and of course, it's LM, who had spotted me from his shop and walked my way. He insisted I come back to the store and try to jacket on again, and proceeded to tell me that if I were his girlfriend I would have everything I could ever want in hand made leather. Again, let me remind the readers of the incredible confidence and disregard for the fact that he is in his 50s! Hilarious. But again, without money, I left for the evening and returned to the tent to find Jessie had a similar rendezvous with an Italian man and had walked out of his shop with a beautiful antique brown leather jacket. She was excited and I thought it hilarious we had the same experience!

The next day, Saturday, I knew I had enough money in my account so I headed back to see LM and get my jacket. So my debit card was declined, scary since it's my only source of money, so he walked me to the nearest atm, where I maxed out the daily limit on my card, so yet again I couldn't complete the transaction. But my sparkling eyes must have done the trick because I walked out with my jacket, after paying a deposit, and promising to come back with the money today. I had to refuse multiple offers to go to dinner, that just seemed akward!

So today, Sunday, I went to the bank yet again, in my stunning jacket, back down to the leather store, paid my debt, and ended up getting treated to a cappucino at one of the oldest bars in Florence, got told hilarious stories about LM's past twenty something American girlfriends, which then lead in to me complaining of hunger and so resulted in a huuuuge mound of amazing spaghetti ragu while I listened to more stories. Somewhere near the end of the meal, after discussing the fabulous purses in his store and my need for something to go with my new jacket, I left with a gratuit or free, white leather purse, which I am very girly and estatic about. Italy has made me very materialistic these past few days!

But enough of my leather drama! I did also make it to the Galleria dell'Academia to see the amazing David sculpture by MIchelangelo. I must say it is the most impressive piece of sculpture I have ever seen. The way his eyes jump out of the marble and seem as if they connect with yours is striking. Sculpting something out of a block of material has always fascinated me and this piece takes the cake!

Well I was genius and left my cord for my camera in the tent, so now photos for now sorry! But Tuscany is gorgeous, green just like Oregon, and is quite a stunning place.

We celebrated being halfway through our trip last night! It's crazy! I miss all of you at home and I'm so glad I can communicate through this blog! :)