Trip 2… Florence Day 1
Whenever a trip or holiday means I have to wake up early, I just feel like a little kid again; it takes me straight back to my first holiday abroad and how excited I was to be going to Disneyland Paris. However, when I woke up this time, all packed and ready to go, nerves swirled around with excitement. I didn’t know how to feel; this was a big moment; traveling into the unknown by myself.
With the sun not even awake yet, I triple-checked I had everything I needed for my trip then, taking three deep breaths to steady myself, I bit the bullet, stepped out of the house and headed to the airport. THIS WAS IT. I was about to go to Florence; my first solo trip of what I hoped would be many.
Heading to the airport, stomach-churning, legs bouncing, I wondered if I was doing the right thing; would I be ok traveling alone? NO, don’t think that way. New year, new stronger more confident me.
Once I was checked, having to say goodbye to my parents was possibly the hardest thing of the trip. Mum and I were both crying and we must have said goodbye a million times; she even asked if I wanted her to come with me. Eventually, I tore myself away from the emotional farewell and walked through the gates. No going back now! As I turned the corner, out of sight, the tears came even harder; I’m not usually a crier but I just couldn’t stop! Then a thought hit me and my heart skipped a beat; it’s now all on me, time to toughen up and prove to myself I can do this. By the time I boarded the plane, I was prepared, ready, feeling good. No, it was more than that, I felt pumped.
Forty minutes later we landed at Amsterdam airport - Step one complete. Check!
Amsterdam airport is huge. So much so that there’s even a road under the landing strip! I’d never seen anything like it. Or the amount of shops and restaurants there are there surprised me. I didn’t let myself go crazy though, my only purchase was a little companion toy; a little bunny who will roam the world with me in my back pocket (see pictures below).
Getting the connecting flight was a breeze and, similar to the first leg of the journey, there were not many people on the plane and I could stretch out for the next hour and a half. Bliss. Time for some Zelda TOTK.
“Welcome to Florence.” The time has come, time to start this adventure, to head to my hotel and get settled. Google Maps out, off I go. I head to the tram stop outside and jump on a tram. Before long, we’re in the centre of Florence and there are a LOT of people! Making sure I keep my bags close with me as I alight the tram, I start walking. After about ten minutes, I turn the corner and can see the Duomo Cathedral in the distance. I’VE MADE IT!! Here is my hotel. I check in and then head up to my floor in the mini elevator that turned me and the suitcase sardines in a tin.
Deep breath as I turn the key and open the door to my room. The view from my balcony was majestic! Seeing the Doumo close up from my bed felt like I had got the platinum package! Pat yourself on your back Beth, you’ve done all of this on your own to get here.
I had planned to take some time to unpack and unwind for a little bit but couldn’t take my eyes off the picturesque view; it was time to go and explore the area around the hotel; what were the best local restaurants, shops, and sights? What was the overall feel of the area I was staying in?
After exploring for a while, and having taken so many photos of the Duomo with my Polaroid camera, I came across a small pizzeria down the road that emitted the comforting aroma of wood smoke and melted cheese. I grabbed a takeaway meatfeast pizza to have for dinner deciding, as it had been such a long day, to eat on my balcony instead of in the restaurant (not a very Italian thing to do but I would make up for it for the rest of my trip). Just before heading up with my supper, I came across an adorable ice-cream parlour, with a small queue winding around the corner where I simply HAD to get their macaroon topped ice-cream for my dessert. Pleasing my sweet tooth palette, I ordered (in my best Italian) Fragola and Stacciatella scoops in a tub.
I ate my Italian treats on my balcony overlooking a view that could rival even the fanciest restaurants back home… Buon appetito.
Time to get stuck in and prepare for the holiday ahead.
Ciao for now!
E x
Hotel view with Pizza from Mister Pizza and Ice cream from Don Nino
