This morning we traded the bustle of Rome for the promise of Florence. With bags packed last night, we allowed ourselves a rare indulgence—a slow start to the day. It’s hard to believe we’ve crossed the halfway mark of our adventure, with just under two weeks left. Rome, in all its contradictions, deserves a moment of reflection: the good, the bad, and the fascinating.
The Good
Rome spoils anyone who loves carbs—and luckily, we do. Pasta, pizza, bread… each meal felt like a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to perfection. instincts.
Beyond the food, the warmth of the people stood out. Even as English-speaking tourists fumbling through conversations, we were met with patience and friendliness. And then there’s the culture: living in Rome feels like walking through a museum that’s constantly updated with modern life. sharp
History is everywhere, yet it never feels frozen. Despite the chaos, I never once felt unsafe—police presence is strong and assuring.
The Bad
Taxis in Rome are a gamble. Sometimes you get a smooth ride, other times you’re left wondering if you’ve stepped into a comedy sketch. Road rules seem more like suggestions, even for the police, so crossing the street requires
The historic streets, beautiful as they are, are clogged with cars and scooters parked in creative (if questionable) ways, often pushing pedestrians into traffic. And then there are the street vendors—persistent enough to approach you even inside restaurants, which quickly wears thin.
The Interesting
Rome’s quirks are part of its charm. The cobblestone streets demand sturdy footwear, but they also remind you of the centuries that shaped them. reassuring.
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| Mouth of truth |
Landmarks are surprisingly close together, making exploration easy and rewarding. What fascinated me most was the way Romans reuse their city: ancient buildings repurposed for modern life, blending past and present seamlessly. Even the everyday details—like rubbish collected from communal bins on the street—felt like a glimpse into how history and practicality coexist here.
Next stop: Florence. A new chapter, another city, and more stories waiting to be written.
On Tuesday, we found ourselves funneled out of the station through what felt like a tradesman’s back entrance—narrow, unremarkable, and a little sketchy. Today was a completely different story. We stepped into a grander, more fitting gateway for a capital city: clean, modern, and impressively well run.
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| Termini station |
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Boarding was seamless, though the station itself carried a noticeable air of authority with a heavy police and security presence. Once aboard, the business class carriage was bustling, luggage racks stacked like those on an aircraft. Despite the crowd, the seating was thoughtfully arranged, offering ample legroom and a comfortable setup for the journey.
Our ride today was aboard an Italo 250km high-speed bullet train, sleek and efficient, whisking us across Italy with the kind of precision and speed that makes rail travel here such a pleasure.
Just five minutes before arriving at Florence’s main station, our train came to a halt at Campo di Marte. Word spread that an unfortunate accident had occurred at the central station, causing a major disruption to rail traffic. Authorities were on site managing the situation, and until clearance was given, all trains were held in place.
After an unexpected one hour and twenty minutes of waiting, our train finally crept the last five minutes into Florence’s main station. The bustle of the crowded platforms greeted us, but relief came quickly—the Mercure Hotel was just a short five‑minute walk, only a block away. As Gold members, we were delighted to be upgraded to a spacious apartment, a welcome surprise after the long day.
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| Painting of the Medici’s |
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| Venus rising |
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| Leonardo da Vinci |
With little time to waste, we set off on foot for the Galleria degli Uffizi, a 15‑minute walk through the historic streets. Commissioned in 1560 and completed in 1584, the Uffizi stands proudly beside Piazza della Signoria in the heart of Florence. Today, it is not only Italy’s most visited museum but also one of the largest and most renowned art collections in the world, housing priceless masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance.
The gallery’s history is as fascinating as its art. When the Medici dynasty ended, Anna Maria Luisa—the last Medici heiress—ensured the family’s treasures remained in Florence through the Patto di famiglia (“family pact”). This act transformed the Uffizi into one of the first modern museums. Though visitors were allowed by request as early as the sixteenth century, it officially opened to the public in 1769 and became a formal museum in 1865.
Despite spending two and a half hours wandering its vast halls, we barely scratched the surface of its immense collection.
After our cultural immersion, we settled into Osteria dei Leoni for dinner. The highlight was a massive 1.3kg Florentine steak, accompanied by potatoes, fried vegetables, bread, sparkling water, and two glasses of Chianti. We finished with coffee, all for €150 (around $290 AUD). While the meal was enjoyable, we couldn’t help but feel we’d stumbled into a tourist trap—especially after spotting a similar steak nearby for just €70. Most of the diners were fellow tourists, and though the food was good, it didn’t quite live up to the price tag.
Back at the hotel, we rounded off the evening with two complimentary glasses of wine, courtesy of our membership perks.
From train delays to Renaissance masterpieces and indulgent dining, the day was full of contrasts—challenging moments balanced by unforgettable experiences. Florence had already proven itself to be a city of adventure, and this was just the beginning.
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