It’s been almost a year since our last trip to Florence. We went there last November with some friends who were visiting from the U.S. They spent their Thanksgiving vacation in Rome, Florence and Venice.
We met up with them their last day in Rome, and together we took the train from the Termini station to Florence. We spent 3 days with them, and they continued on to Venice while we went back to Rome. It was a nice way to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary.
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It was 3 days of good food, good wine and good friends. They had a great time as well. So much so, that they decided to do it again this year! We are trying to decide whether to join them or not.
On one hand, it would be marvelous to see them and catch up. On the other hand, l don’t really feel like going to Florence again. It would be my third time, and his fifth! I love Florence, and the whole of Tuscany, but truth be told, l think l would rather save money and go to a different place. One that l’ve never been before, like Prague. After all, l have to keep working on my 50 by 50 list!
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I know l sound like a whiny brat, one with first world problems! Imagine- Oh, poor me.. The horror, having to go to Florence again 🙁 . A place where some people would give their right arm to visit. We are very lucky indeed, and l know that. Being here in Europe especially, where the round trip tickets would cost roughly $50 each with careful planning on the cheapo airlines like Ryanair , AND the train.
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That combined with an airbnb rental would make it very economical. Another option might be to take the opportunity to visit the hubby’s family and just meet them in Rome instead. That way, we will just have the flight cost since we would be staying with my MIL. Something to think about for sure. I think we are going to sit this one out though, unless he can convince me otherwise. For some reason, l am just not feeling it.
I have a sneaky suspicion that it has to do with this. Once l saw that picture on Oneika’s blog, l can not stop thinking about the Maldives. I want to go there! 🙂 🙂 🙂 . That is the view from their balcony. I never allowed myself to think of going there as the prices are just insanely high. She however, has managed to do it the frugal way, so l hope we can do the same.
How about you? Have you ever been to Florence? Would you like to go? Do you think l’m being an idiot for passing up the chance to go or do you think l should save my pennies, and answer the call of the Maldives instead?
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I totally understand you not wanting to go to Florence. Not that I’ve ever been, so I definitely wouldn’t pass up the opportunity. But you both have been several times before. Personally, I don’t like to keep repeating the same experience and would rather visit some place new, so I get it. The Maldives would be an AWESOME alternative! Or Prague – I’ve heard such great things. You’re so lucky that you have such a big chunk of the world at your doorstep living in Spain. Decisions, decisions… 🙂
I know! I would be happy with either one. I never dared to imagine going to the Maldives, but who knows? It would be nice. A big part of our moving was to have the opportunities to visit a lot of places for cheaper. Thank heavens for the low cost airlines too!
I was in Florence 19 years ago! Wow, I can’t believe it’s been that long. I went on a college tour with my best friend. We visited Venice, Florence and Rome. I guess that’s the typical tour for Italy. It was wonderful and I’m definitely due back for another visit but like you say if you’ve just been there I would go somewhere else. The Maldives look amazing and I would surely try to figure out a way to get there instead.
Yep..that does seem to be the order. Everyone goes to the famous 3. I’d say you were due for a return visit 🙂 . I think l am going for the Maldives. It looks too beautiful !
Such a beautiful place for your anniversary! And the fact that one can actually go there without emptying their pockets is even better. I love that about your blog – the fact that it shows that all these amazing places can be affordable if you spend some time preparing your stay.
Thanks C! Yeah..preparation is a huge part of it. It was definitely a tale of two classes. They are the joneses who can afford it. Their hotel room was €1200/night (gorgeous!), ours €35/night(not even worth that!), but it was 5 min walk to them. I don’t keep up with anybody. 🙂 . They are just good people, which is all that matters to me.
Florence looks insanely beautiful. It is definitely on my list. Thanks for sharing the pictures!
It is beautiful, isn’t it? Glad it’s on your list. I think you would love it.
Well, it sounds like we will be able to wish you a Happy 8th Anniversary here next month yes, Kemkem? Your trip was absolutely beautiful and no I don’t think you are being a whiney brat. I completely agree with you on wanting to see brand new things each time. Though, I did almost backflip out of my chair at the $50 🙂 Great post, love the photos, and I hope you are having a good day 🙂
You made me laugh at the backflip! 🙂 . It is insane how cheap the low cost airlines are here. Sometimes they have 9.99 flights, but most now start at 19.99. I know most travelers move to Thailand, but we wanted to see Europe. It made sense to move, and then take advantage of the cheap fares..yeah! Oh..and l talked him out of it..Maldives hopefully or wherever the cheapo flight take us..hope you are having a good day as well Mike! I wish you well.
You’re definitely not an idiot! I can’t believe you’ve already been that many times, amazing. Prague is so high on my list, I’m just dying to go. I hope you can make it happen!!
Happy travels 🙂
Thanks Lauren. I keep stalking the sites looking for the deals. They go pretty fast as you can imagine. Yeah, I have heard so many good things about Prague. I can’t wait to visit. 🙂
That’s a tough question. I have a few places that I will go to over and over because I love them so much, Usually though I would much rather check out a new place if I had to choose. 🙂 Florence does look amazing. Italy is on our short list, we chose Greece last time we went through Europe.
I know, l never get tired of Rome (save for the traffic 🙁 and l get nervous cos my husband goes straight to the roman drive mode..lol) for instance. I’m glad Italy is on your list. It is amazing 🙂
I LOVE Florence, but totally get you wanting to experience something new…and hey, every penny saved counts! I think the Maldives are calling your name, lady!;-)
You know, l do believe l will answer the call. Soon as l find out a frugal way to do it! 🙂
I’ve been to Florence twice, but aside from the pretty architecture, I liked Siena better. It was a little quieter. Florence is LOUD…but great food. Tuscany in general is beautiful!
I haven’t been to Siena. I hear it’s gorgeous. The day we were supposed to go, we decided to stop in San Giminiano on the way, but we loved it so much, we never made it to Siena. I’ll still pass for now though. We can always do a side trip when we visit his family. Hope you had a lovely birthday!
Brilliant post kemkem. I know what you mean! Honestly, your husband and mine are two peas of the same pod!
I’ve been to Florence many times but not as many as you LOL! I love Tuscany and Italy. I think I’ve been to Milan 5 times now but Rome only once. Nah! Don’t go to Florence. Meet up in Rome instead and then save for where you really want to so that you can cross off your bucket list LOL!
And yes, the Maldives sounds delightful. Go for it!
As soon as she discloses how much the Maldives trip cost her, l will start planning.. 🙂 . I’m even kind of sick of Rome.. gasp..Since he’s from there and we have to go so often. New places, that’s what l want. I can believe they are 2 peas in a pod! Never been to Milan..not too keen either.
Milan is a lovely place but if you really want new and very affordable then Prague is the place to be. I used to live there in the 90’s and it’s lovely. I can’t guarantee that everything is the same. What place is? But if you have any questions, let me know. You will love it. Old Europe. Castles. Very cheap Czech beer, Czech dumplings, lovely bistro bars and a romantic river. What not to love LOL!
You guys are going to make me leapfrog right over Maldives! I totally forgot that you used to live there. If it’s anything like Budapest, l am sure l am going to love it. You remember that was on our short list along with Berlin!!! Yum…dumplings… 🙂
Prague is a VERY different place than it was in the 90’s. Possibly one of the most tourist saturated cities in Europe now. It’s actually very sad to see. Was there a few months ago. Still beautiful. Budapest is what Prague was 15 ears ago. Beautiful, full of culture/locals, and affordable.
Oh.. That is sad to hear :-(. I knew Prague had gotten very expensive. It means l better go to Budapest..again..before it ends up the same way. Maybe we will stay a shorter time in Prague and do the surrounding areas. I suppose it was too good to be true..lol..
Hey Kemkem – Florence is gorgeous, but going anywhere for a 3rd or 5th time a bit much. Too many other things to see in the world!
You mention Prague. We were there 3 months and totally fell in love with the city. Highly recommend it, also much more affordable than most places in Western Europe (and much more than Florence).
Those Italians really like to dress eh…like Italians, right? 🙂 Actually we like Italians a lot and they’re always fashionable.
Thanks by the way for your Hola recommendation. We’ve been using it now for 3 months and have solved all our Netflix problems.
Frank (bbqboy)
I think Prague or Maldives is going to be it, especially either place will be new. I have heard so many good things about Prague, and l want to experience it. I’m so glad the Hola is working for you! It’s nice to be able to see all the Netflix programs.
p.s. Yes, they do sure know how to dress. Let me just say when we moved, l had 3 suitcases, and he had 6!!! 🙂 . I predict l will fall in love with Prague too, like l am with Budapest.
Really nice piece. Especially enjoying the images
Awwhhh ! Thanks for the compliment..and the comment. 🙂
I loved Florence and I would definitely visit again, however, if I had the opportunity to visit the Maldives for the first time, I would more than likely select that and return to Florence later 😀
Yeah, l leaned that way! 🙂 . I can’t wait to see Oneika’s breakdown. It looks so inviting. Thanks for the input 🙂