Destination: Firenze

That's right. Firenze is what's on the map, but you're probably more familiar with the name- Florence. Why the rest of the world calls it something so completely different than what the Italians do? Well, that's a question I still haven't quite figured out but that wasn't going to stop my girl's weekend get-a-way for a little shopping and wine. Lots of wine.

The wine began flowing as soon as we boarded the train downtown Naples and shuffled ourselves around to be near each other. In the process the older gentleman who had already told a few of us that we're beautiful was soon surrounded by the 4 of us and sharing our wine. Before we even hit Rome, he had given us his phone number and address and asked for our numbers. Did I mention he spoke very little English? This was all very entertaining not only to me, already medicated with those lovely orange capsules for major sinus issues and an achy body, but also to the other passengers in our car.

What wasn't entertaining, well according to the ticket guy, was the fact that our new friend "although very nice, no ticket is a problem." The fine for not having a ticket? 250Euro. Our friend didn't seem too concerned though as he had no intention to pay it.

Within the first steps out of the train station, I could tell that the city in front of me would quickly become one of "my favorites:" the brick buildings, clean narrow streets, the unique shops, people walking along the streets, traffic looking semi organized all greeted me. And our apartment for the weekend? So stinking cute tucked away off one of the main squares, complete with terrace and intricate architecture revealing the building's past life as a convent.

After a quick power outage and water outage, we headed on out to track down food and to introduce me to the city as I was the only one in the group who hadn't been there. Exhausted but fearful my cold would take more of a hold over night, I pressed on to start exploring the town. And let me tell you- Florence at night is beautiful! Cold, but beautiful.