We left Pearson's airport on Thursday December 1st, around 6:30 P.M. and were in Paris before 8 A.M. the next day. Although a connection to Florence was available an hour after our arrival, we had opted for the next connecting flight at 11:30 A.M. to make sure we had enough time to go through custom and find the right terminal. It turned out to have been a good idea as going through customs seemed to take for ever. There were only 2 customs officers. The majority of travelers were through custom in a few minutes, but three or four people, immigrants (?), took 30 to 45 minutes each to go through, keeping the line at a standstill for long periods. Many people, afraid to miss their connections, were grumbling, especially a guy with a South of France accent standing just behind us who was really fuming. There were lots of "Ah bonne mère!!!" the South of France equivalent of "Mama mia!" (and some much cruder expletives).
At the Florence airport, both the waiting lines for taxis and shuttle bus were very long (at least 50 people in each line). We joined the shuttle bus line. Being midway through it, we were hoping there might be a slight chance of making it on the first bus to arrive. We should have remembered that in Italy they are not too fussy about how many people board a buss. They squeeze in passengers until there is no possibility of adding one more. We made it on the first bss without problem.
From the station, we walked to the apartment which took only 15 to 20 minutes.
Our street is more or less a pedestrian street. Here are views of both ends of it.
The houses seen at the end of the last picture face on Santo Spirito square (see below). The church is hidden by the trees. The piazza has a fountain in the middle and a daily morning market held under the awnings on the right.
The next post will be on the apartment.
At the Florence airport, both the waiting lines for taxis and shuttle bus were very long (at least 50 people in each line). We joined the shuttle bus line. Being midway through it, we were hoping there might be a slight chance of making it on the first bus to arrive. We should have remembered that in Italy they are not too fussy about how many people board a buss. They squeeze in passengers until there is no possibility of adding one more. We made it on the first bss without problem.
 |
| Our Shuttle Bus at the station |
From the station, we walked to the apartment which took only 15 to 20 minutes.
Our street is more or less a pedestrian street. Here are views of both ends of it.
The houses seen at the end of the last picture face on Santo Spirito square (see below). The church is hidden by the trees. The piazza has a fountain in the middle and a daily morning market held under the awnings on the right.
 |
| Piazza Santo Spirito |
The next post will be on the apartment.
Oh to be in Italy we are walking beside you both
ReplyDeleteClaudio and Peggy
Good morning, Over night our landscape turned white, very pretty but only an indication of what is to come. It will be good to follow your adventures in a warm climate
ReplyDeleteIt is warmer than Ontario but not a great deal. This afternoon is overcast and 11C, but the next two days should be sunny with 14C.
DeleteThank you for this chance to share your adventures vicariously Alain and Lorne! I am already transported in my mind and in your pictures, almost as good as being there.
ReplyDeleteArlene
Vous en avez de la chance. C'est si beau!
ReplyDeleteGoing to enjoy this blog! Love the pics too Alain - so picturesque- looking forward to seeing the apt.
ReplyDeleteHooray for you to be in Italy! It is so very insane here right now, I wish I was there, too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're settled and safe and sound. I look forward to reading your blog and looking at your pics.
ReplyDelete