After some outdoorsy fun on the cinque terre trail, it was time to head back into the city for some culture- And what better way to check mark that box than in the artistic town of Florence. The beginning of my time there was less than ideal though....
I was feeling a bit off and slightly nauseous the morning I left la spezia, and figured it was due to spending too much time in the sun the previous day and not drinking enough water. I took a couple of Tylenol and was sure the 3 hour train hop would do me good. I started feeling progressively worse, getting intense cramping in my lower abdomen. I took some Advil and contributed it to motion sickness. I would totally feel better once I got off the trains and to my hostel. Well I got to the hostel and tried to take a nap, but the pain in my stomach made it impossible. It almost felt like someone was jabbing a hot spear through my right upper back and sending diagonally through my torso out my right thigh. I was getting quite concerned as the pain was getting worse and the drugs weren't helping. I finally went down to the front desk and asked the clerk where the nearest doctors office was. She was concerned, said I looked awful and would get a taxi to take me to the tourist clinic on the north side of Florence. I agreed but was told it would take about 45 min to arrive. During this time an English guy had come up to the counter to talk to the clerk and we ended up chatting a bit. I wasn't my fully charming self due to the agony but we got along alright and i went up to my room to wait. I ended up feeling a bit better before the taxi came and decided to check out a bit of Florence. Just as I was about to leave I bumped into the English guy again. Turns out this was his second time in Florence and he was meeting friends later, but he offered to show me around the city a bit. It was really nice to have some company as I hadn't really hung out with other travellers since before I went to vineyard. We hung out off and on over the next couple of days and we even went on a grand adventure to find the foreign medical clinic when the pain came back the next day. Turns out: kidney stone! I got some painkillers and a recommendation to drink 3L+ of water a day to flush it out. I felt way better though.
My favourite part of my time in Firenze was when I saw the duomo all lit up. It had rained so everything was really bright and reflective. It was amazing and beautiful and the kind of scene you only see in the movies. My camera did not do it justice.
I also happened to arrive in Florence in time for the Firenze gelato festival. It's when Master gelato makers from all over the world do a tasting showcase. 10€ got you 5 flavour tastings and a gelato cocktail. My lactose intolerance said no but EVERYTHING ELSE inside of me said yes. Oh my god it was amazing. I had a mojito made from mint gelato, one with pears and red wine, one with salted dark chocolate with candied orange pieces, a coffee one with lime and lemon, one made from black rice and one with tiny profiteroles drizzled with hazelnuts caramel and hard chocolate. I was certainly gelato'd out by the end but it was totally worth it. Every. Bite.
Things I have learned:
- kidney stones are freaking agony. Don't get them.
- the tourist medical clinic is lovely, but is now in a different place than the guide books say.
- the statue of David is bigger than I thought it would be.
- Botticelli's Venus is okay, but not as exciting as everyone makes it out to be.
- it is ALWAYS worth the extra 4€ to buy a reserved time ticket to the big museums. Standing in line is for suckers.
- a true Bellini is prosecco mixed with fresh peach juice. A Rossini is the same but with strawberry purée.
- I am still lactose intolerant. Very much so.
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