Hi Everyone!

Florence/Firenze is often described as the jewel of the renaissance, and it sure lives up to that standard in my books. Of course, I went to go see the David and took more of those boring pictures of old buildings (yes just for you GRACE!) ;).

Most of my knowledge of Florence before visiting was based on the sequel moving to The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal. Basically, a bunch of museums and people sitting around drinking espressos... and the odd cannibalistic serial killer that likes to hang police officers on the street bowels out. Florence was most of those minus just one. Beautiful city that seems to go at its own pace.

I decided to take the hop on hop off bus tour and I am grateful that I did as it was amazing. Stops at the Piazzale Michelangelo and Fiesole were especially noteworthy.

The little street with all the leather jackets and handbags smelled so much of oils and... well.... leather - it made for a good memory.

I learned a great deal about the Médici family and how their massive corruption and stockpile of wealth left them with too much time and money on their hands - they became one of the first great house patrons of the arts. This directly paved the way for the masters to grow and emerge including especially Leonardo and Michelangelo.

Eventually the Médicis were all horrible murdered, but are all buried in a wonderful, giant, and immaculately decorated tomb in the middle of the city.

If you ever want to just relax and drink in some Italy in its purest form, head to Florence - it was great.

Hope you all are doing well and enjoy the video!

Eric