Mumble Italiano: The Hike Gone Right

This morning I was so excited to go on an afternoon trip to the Boboli Gardens that are right around the corner from where I live. My roommates an I made sandwiches for a picnic and set off for a relaxing day that ended up turning into something unexpected. Once we got to the gardens we found out that it was 10 euro to get in, we decided against spending money and agreed to keep walking and find another free place to eat. On our way we came across a part of the ancient wall that used to protect Florence. We then enjoyed our sandwiches in a park up the road.

With our stomachs full and smiles all around we continued to trek up the hill. Something in me wanted to keep climbing higher. I wanted to see Florence from on top of the hills that surround the city. Our persistent climbing paid off immediately. Each street we climbed had a more beautiful view than the last. We shortly realized that we had left the tourists behind and we had somehow ended up in the Beverly Hills of Florence. The houses were gated, huge, and massive. At the top of one hill we stopped in a hotel to ask if there was somewhere we could get an amazing view of the city. The women at the desk directed us to continue our climb to the Piazzale Michelangelo which was up the road. After about 30 min of walking uphill we ended up at The Basilica of San Miniato Al Monte, a breathtaking Basilica with the most amazing view. Inside the walls were adorned with architectural detail that almost brought me to tears. I could almost feel the passion that went into the paintings and details. It sounds stupid and cliche but it really was so beautiful it hurt.