THE TRAVEL DIARIES ....... FLORENCE

 After Rome we went to Florence.

I really wasn't expecting to like Florence. I had been earlier in the year and was really depressed. As a result, I didn't really feel that it was going to be the best part of the holiday. In fact, I was just keen to get it over with.

However,  Florence totally won me over.

We only had a day in Florence and my partner hadn't been so I revisited all the tourist places with him. Our hotel was super central so we had minimal running around or walking to do. After dropping the bags we immediately went to San Lorenzo market as I had presents to buy. I don't know if you've ever tried to shop for a vegan in Florence but its impossible! I got a bit tired of all the leather goods, egg related pasta and chocolate so settled on scarves for both of us.

In fact, be careful who you choose to buy from. The guys with the cardboard boxes and handbags? Totally fake and illegal. You will not only risk trouble from the police for stopping to buy but also, the goods are usually fairly awful. On this topic, there is nothing more annoying then the selfie stick sellers who are all over the place now. Still, some are sound enough to walk off with just a wave of the hand but others are on it with following you around or trying to stand there long enough to make it awkward.

If you do like shopping then Florence is outlet city. There is a huge multibrand complex just outside the city. I've never been but a lot of people regard this as 'THE' reason to go to Florence. It's called 'the mall' and you will need a bus to get there. Off season might be a better time as it can be packed with tourists. Prada and Gucci have an outlet here. (Noooooice) But, if your like me and prefer not to be in a mall filled with tourists raging over belts you can't afford then you'll be happy to know there are a lot of really great mid range fashion outlets here too.

But San Lorenzo market has amazingly cute scarves which you should totally have a look at. I just suggest bypassing the leather goods if your vegan or buying for one. Apparently, you get a cash discount too. 

The market is huge. I hadn't been inside the market part before so that was an experience. If your visiting Italy for the food then that is the one to try. Its gorgeous. Although, not great for GF food so I came away hungry. There is an amazing looking vegan and vegetarian burger place upstairs though which I was dying to try. Sadly, bread was involved so I couldn't.

After the market I had to get food. I wasn't expecting much in the way of GF food having had an issue with this the previous visit. There is the expensive Ciro and Ciro option which is closed on Sundays. We opted for the restaurant across the road as it looked more accessible. It's called Ristorante Lorenzo De Medici and it can be found on Via Del Giglio. We ended up eating here twice as there was so much choice for GF and vegetarians. I had pizza both times though as it was too good not to. I recommend the pizza with pink peppers and blue cheese. It sounds mad but it really works.

After the food, I had really wanted to go to Clet's Studio. I had run out of time when I had visited and I really wanted to see it. It took some wandering. Although, made interesting by the gorgeous scenery and street art along the way. I'm a sucker for street art.  I loved it. I also bought some stickers to take away. We managed to hit a few of the tourist sights on the way to the studio including the ponte vecchio bridge and Uffizi gallery. Although, we opted not to go into the Uffizi.

 Oddly enough, as we rounded the corner from Clet's studio, we came across the two bars that had been suggested to me - Gecko and Zoe. Both of which looked incredibly inviting with lovely outdoor seating, people enjoying icy wine in the sun and nibbles. We stayed for a drink before deciding to go this place called Kitsch. It was a bit of a trek and completely not worth it. While I think €10 for a drink and the access to the food was fine - the staff were horrifically rude and the atmosphere was dead. Not to mention Coldplay dance track/remix on repeat - who does that!??! So it was a bit odd. At one point, I spoke to a staff member about ordering a drink and she literally walked off mid sentence. I stood there completely confused and awkwardly. If that ever happens - walk away. Lesson learned.

Having worked in customer service, I cannot bear rudeness in staff. So if this winds you up like it does to me - avoid Kitsch bar. 

 This left us dying for a bit of a decent, friendly dive bar. So we came across Monkey bar.

If your in Florence, go to Monkey bar. It's owned by two guys, one of which, Lorenzo kept us laughing and entertained for ages. The locals are extremely friendly as well. It's off the beaten track but totally worth it. We ended up staying for a few rounds as it was so much fun. Lorenzo kept sneaking me tequila shots as well. It's been a while since I've gotten involved with that! But it's a fantastic bar and really worth going to.

We decided to end the night on a high and just went back to the hotel. After chips naturally.

The next day we had a long wait until we got the train to Bologna. I was really excited for Bologna as I had never been. The first thing we did the following morning was to grab more pizza from the same place as the day before. Why not?!? We opted in most hotels not to have breakfast since my partner is vegetarian and I'm coeliac. So there possibly wasn't going to be a massive load of options for us in pastry loving Italy!

After discovering online that the gluten free bakery was closed, we opted to have a nice pizza lunch/breakfast instead. This was total lies as we came across the bakery (Starbene GF bakery on Via Dei Neri) and it was very much open! Boo! Still...no regrets! They have a great selection of pastries and Italian treats here.

My partner insisted on the Museo Galileo so we could see the shiny science objects. I have to admit, not my usual thing. I do love a good science museum but I wasn't really connecting with the place. But still, worth a look! I did drag him to the Clet studio the day before so totally worth it.

We also had our own magnums made! The Magnum pleasure store (I hate the name) near the Duomo was fantastic. I initially ignored it because it seemed gimmicky and a bit touristy but gave in this time. Gelato in Florence is really expensive so this was a nice alternative. We decided on our flavours and then chose toppings to go with it for about €4.50. This for magnum is expensive but the craic of choosing it was worth it. Also, cheaper then gelato in most places!

I suggest the raspberry pieces as they are gorgeous.

We then got the train to Bologna!

*Totally random but keep an eye out around the city for Clet's signs! They are everywhere!