My Manifesto: The Incoherent Ramblings of a Madman

Trying to make my way to Florence was an ordeal and a half.

1. Apparently when I say "Firenze" it doesn't sound the same as when Italiano's say "Firenze";
2. Apparently when I say "Florence" it doesn't sound the same as when the English or the Americans say "Florence" who had just been sold tickets in front of me;
3. Apparently when I spell "Firenze" my pronunciation of the letters of the alphabet is different to that of the Italiano's;
4. Apparently when I spell "Florence" my pronunciation of the letters of the alphabet is different to that of the English or Americans; and, last but not least,
5. Apparently when I write Firenze or Florence it doesn't exist on the train line.

I went to the ticket machine and purchased my ticket from there - problem solved.

[Adam's rule for traveling in Italy Number 3: don't think that because Italiano's speak and read perfect English that they won't pretend they cannot understand a damn thing you're saying just because they don't want to do their jobs]

Arriving in Florence after having stood up most of the way as there were no seated tickets left there was a downpour that seemed to last two days straight. During this time I had 15-20 people try to sell me umbrellas starting at $6 euro and after repeated: "No's" got down to 50 cents. Armed with my 50 cent umbrella I was on top of the world until the first gust of wind 100 m down the road blew it to pieces and nearly severed an artery in my neck....

Florence was great - it is a reasonable size without being too hectic and has the most beautiful scenery. Hills overlooking a valley with river meandering through it. Stately cathedrals speckle the towncentre with Piazzas throughout. The people are friendly. The food was great. The hotels were affordable. It is really well set up for walking throughout the town.

When in Florence - do as the Firenzian's do; so I celebrated Thanksgiving. Complete strangers took me in for a night of Thanksgiving dinner, wine, banter, and good times - it was completely unexpected - but fantastic none the less.

To my surprise there were more Americans' in Florence than anyone else - which, for the most part, made it perfect for an Australian tourist who has zero Italiano speaking ability (see above at my lack of even being able to communicate the names of a major city).