Florence, Italy

FIRST SOLO TRAVEL DAY EVER.

I am traveling alone, truly and completely alone, to Florence, Italy. I have just hopped on the train from Pisa to Florence because it was much more affordable if we are being honest.

I woke up at 3:00 am this morning. I had to catch an Uber to the bus station and then a shuttle bus to the Stansted airport (thanks to the tube not being open), flew from London to Pisa, and then took the “PISAMOVER” to catch my train from Pisa Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella. Now you are all caught up.

The last time we talked, my travel day went smoothly until my solo traveling skills were tested. When I arrived in Florence Santa Maria Novella, I planned on taking a bus to my hotel until I realized buses were cash or coin only; I had neither. I tried to order an Uber or taxi, but no. This resulted in a tearful phonely mother at 4 am Arizona time, call to my love, who attempted to help me from 6,000 miles away until the service shut off on my phone, leaving me stranded with my bags in the center of Florence. As I began crying and hoping a kind stranger would help me, I spotted faint yellow arches in the distance and knew I was saved. I entered the McDonalds and was embraced by a free internet connection and an overwhelming scent of French fries that may have even slightly cured my homesickness. After a quick Google search (and a french fry), I soon found out that Florence was the most walkable city ever, and I was less than 20 minutes away from my accommodation on foot.

A NIGHT IN FLORENCE

After dragging my bag along the cobblestone streets, I turned down the street of my accommodation, only to be immediately greeted by my sweet Airbnb host. She was happy to tell me about all the must-visit places in Florence, and I was even more happy to accept. An apartment unit divided into 3 mini accommodations.