Braving the crowds in Firenze

Florence marks the halfway point of this trip, and also the last destination in Latin Europe. From here, it is to the north and east. Italy has been great, but it will be good to get away from the hordes of tourists (mainly American and Japanese) that have plagued us a bit in Rome and Florence. Although we visited the main churches and the Palazzo Vecchio, we just couldn't face the 2 hour long queues for the Uffizi and the Acaddemia to see the various famous Renaissance works of art. It will also be good to get away from the touristy rip-off restaurants and bars and get a beer that won't require a new mortgage to pay for!


We have noticed a lot of differences between France, Spain and Italy, so it will be very interesting to see the even bigger contrasts when we reach Northern Europe, and our first stop - Munich, by night train tonight.