In fact, I have been to Florence 6 years ago, back then in 2012, although that was part of a day tour so it is more of a little touch and go in Florence. I was captivated by the Duomo and more so by the Arno River, with the Ponte Vecchio across it. The sight is one that I would love to lay eyes once again. Furthermore, on the ending phase of my whirlwind trip in Europe, the fantastic The Mall outlet will be nice for some shopping. I had 4 main to do list in Florence, The Duomo, Arno River, Central Market and Piazzale Michelangelo! In fact there is something very funny on my fate with Florence. A lot of my thoughts and interest begin back then in 2003 after watching a Hong Kong TVB Drama about pilots, Triumph In The Skies. With many of the filming sites located in Florence, it sure sparkes my interest in seeing them in person.
Chapter Wanderlust: Florence Cooking Class & Central Market Tour
Another pretty interesting and unique activity that I have done during my travels would definitely be taking part in a cooking class. This is probably the first time that I have done so while travelling. Italian cuisine it shall be. It is something that we always dine out for? Like, lets go for some pasta! Lets order pizza in! It is nice to finally to see how it is really done by the locals right in their backyard. Of course, while Bologna is named as the true heart of Italian cooking and cuisine, Florence is not far back as well! Cooking class are pretty common in Florence too! In fact, in terms of a true authentic local market, the Florence Central Market is the most famous one in the country! I have been keen on visiting the Central Market for the longest time after hearing about it! Visiting market is one of my hobbies! Somehow I got the idea of doing a cooking lesson to have a hands on experience on making some Italian food!
Chapter Wanderlust: The Mall Florence Factory Outlet (Prada Outlet)
I believe this would be something that many people would be interested in! Especially the shopping fanatics or those who have a keen eye for branded leather goods. In fact this place is so tempting that even those who are prudent in spending, will spend! You definitely can’t resist yourself if you are here. Of course, for those who specifically make a trip here, you already know what you want! The Mall Florence is one of the most famous factory outlet in Europe or Italy where many famous brand were from. This include brands like Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu. In fact I would say that 90% of the people come here just to get their hands on Prada or Gucci! They are also the one that have the largest presence at The Mall!
Chapter Wanderlust: Girasole Room – Accademia Museum Florence Airbnb X Thoughts on Airbnb
Welcome to another milestone of Seeing The World In Steps! This is the first time that I am staying in an Airbnb! Seemingly I have heard many good stuff about Airbnb and how it has revolutionize the hospitality industry! In this post, I would like to share my thoughts on it and the Airbnb that I have booked in Florence, the Girasole Room – Accademia Museum. On a side track, you peeps can look forward to another trip report that is coming up in the later part of the year! Peking to Beijing! Yes! I have just booked my tickets to Beijing! That is going to be No.59 coming up very soon! While I was looking over my accomodation options in Florence, I chance upon this lovely listing that looks really good. I am also very keen to give Airbnb a try after hearing so much about it!
Chapter Wanderlust: Manarola
Finally I would like to share with you the cream of the corp, the love of my life, Manarola! It is the gem of Cinque Terre. Manarola is also the place where I use as a base to explore Cinque Terre! Out of the 5 village of Cinque Terre, I love Manarola the most. it has that undesirable charm and pull on me! It felt like a little romantic spot off the coast! The day that I saw the sun set over the horizon, it is one that I will never forget! Of the 5 Manarola is also the most picturesque one. I love how the village look when the sun falls on it, especially during sunset!
Chapter Wanderlust: Corniglia X Bar Terza Terra
Sadly to say, Corniglia is my least favourite out of all the other towns. Corniglia is also the only one that does not lead to the waterfront. Instead it is perched on top of a hill! It is very different from the others! This is also the village that I will not recommend anyone to stay at or use as a base for travelling around Cinque Terre! The location of Corniglia does not make it very easy to travel around. The train station is located at the foot and you can either take a bus up or hike up. The walking path is well maintained and easy enough to do so. It is pretty tough though, with 365 steps to reach the top and also slope. Each step of the path represent each day of the year! Although tough! You also get sweeping view of the surrounding! At the top you can even see Manarola, which is the town that is next to Corniglia!
Chapter Wanderlust: Vernazza X Taverna del Capitano
Coming from Monterosso where I spend the morning at! I am off to Vernazza, the second village of the day! Feeling famished since I had not have much to eat in the morning, I am also on the hunt for lunch at Vernazza! As per the usual! I missed the train again, although my time have always past by in a breeze! Afterall, resting on a bench, using your phone with such a view isn’t too shabby! Vernazza is the 4th stop of my Cinque Terre adventures! It is a short 2 mins train ride away and there is sure a crowd now in the afternoon where all of the day trippers just made it to the area! Vernazza is the only town that have a natural harbour and you can still see many of the fisherman activities around here! It sure felt more vibrant and happening from Monterosso!
