Blackberry Juice: Ciao bella Firenze!

Florence! What a city! In Rome one never truely loses sight of the present. Sure there are moments, like in the midst of the colloseum, where history envelops you - but the cacaphony of modern life is never far away. But in Florence is different. The ancient city centre is remarkably compact and closed to cars, meaning the narrow, winding cobblestone streets retain their rustic charm. Cheery cafes and tratorias fill the air with the welcoming aroma of fresh panini and pizza, while streetside stalls add to the festive atmosphere.

A day exploring Firenze means a day meandering down side streets, waiting for the grand piazza that invariably waits around the next corner. First stop for our adventurere was the central focal point of the city - the massive Duomo basillica that towers over the rest of the city. And since no self-respecting basillica in this land goes without a cupola and no self-respecting tourist goes without the desire to climb it, the first mission of the day was obvious. With Rock muttering a few unintelligible comments on DnD in general and a useless cleric character in particular, the party scrambled through the ancient stone labyrinth of circular staircases and dimly lit passages towards the lofty cupola. What a view! The red roofs of Florence stretch out to the banks of the Arno river where they give way to a maze of bridges crisscrossing the silvery waterway. Still further lush green hills dotted with colourful yellow and orange villas rise up in the distance. No wonder so much of the world's greatest art was created here.

From Duomo a short stroll took the visitors across a series of piazza flanked by an impressive array of statues by the who's who of the high renaissance including heavy hitters like Michaelangelo. Which in turn led to the banks of the picturesque Arno River.

On the other side of the river the Pitta Palace offered yet another photo op while the adjacent pizzeria offered yet another flavour (cheddar and spicy mincy anyone?)As a (non culinary) finale to the day, a climb up the hillside to Piazza Michaelangelo was a must. The sweeping views of the city can't be described in words - and not just 'cause I'm sick of typing.

So the last question: what's for dinner? How about half a kilo of prime Florentine beef, a veal shank richly imbued with a thick tomato sauce and a steaming lasagne fresh out of the oven. Top it off with crusty home made bread rolls and we've got ourselves a meal!

Ciao.