We’ve been up to quite a bit since the last post. After a full day of travel, we’ve made it to Israel and now are in transit to Jerusalem. But lets not get ahead of ourselves…
Last week we finished up our second WWOOFing experience. I don’t know if some of you follow European Football (I know I didn’t), but when you’re staying with an Italian, you don’t have an option. Italy made it to the Eurocup, so rather than watching the game on his computer, we went to a club on the other side of the mountain*. When Nicolo was telling us about this club, I was imagining the place was going to be jam packed, full of devoted fans ready to cheer on their team. Here’s what was actually the case…
Last week we finished up our second WWOOFing experience. I don’t know if some of you follow European Football (I know I didn’t), but when you’re staying with an Italian, you don’t have an option. Italy made it to the Eurocup, so rather than watching the game on his computer, we went to a club on the other side of the mountain*. When Nicolo was telling us about this club, I was imagining the place was going to be jam packed, full of devoted fans ready to cheer on their team. Here’s what was actually the case…
Such a rambunctious crowd.
So, unfortunately, Italy lost (badly) to Spain. It was a painful game to watch, but hilarious to hear a bunch of old Italian men and women cursing at the television. Similar to when my dad watches the Vikings or Gopher football I suppose, only Italian cursing sounds much more angry.
Us with Nicolo and the honey lab behind us
The next day, we said our goodbyes and caught a bus to Florence. We stayed on a campgrounds in Venice and discovered that they also had locations in Florence and Rome. Perfect! A cheap place to stay that’s somewhat close to the city, with the added bonus of a view of the city. I know I got a few emails from people talking about how hot it was in the States over the 4th of July, and unfortunately it was the same in Florence. Unbearably hot, in a small tent, with no air-conditioning or breeze. You get what you pay for… but the view was beautiful.
Our campground overlooking Florence
To beat the heat, we made gelato a daily plan instead of an occasional treat. My favorite was a place called Mordilatte, near the Duomo. They even had special “American” flavors to celebrate the 4th of July – Strawberry Cheesecake and Apple Pay (that’s not a spelling error; the flavor was actually called ‘pay’, not ‘pie’).
Best. Gelato. Ever.
Having difficulties eating gelato in the heat
Overall, Florence was a great experience, though both Kevin and I can agree that we’ve seen enough Renaissance art for a while.
Statues at Piazza della Signoria
Street art
North side of the Duomo
View of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo
*Sidenote for my family members – remember when we were in Colorado and Jacob took us on a “shortcut” through the mountain… Our drive was similar to that, except we had the luxury of a 4x4 truck instead of a dark green minivan.
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