Italy then, and now.

Yesterday, I showed you a photo I took when in Florence, Italy in July two years ago.

Please watch the video from BBC to see what it looks like in Italy right now! Yikes, someone seems to be getting our snow!

BBC News – Snow-covered scenes across Europe.

Also, check out the photo from the Daily Mail:

The Vatican

The Colosseum

Tiber

Photo of the Day – Florence, Italy

Ahhhh Firenze…..right Katie?

Peek-a-boo through the tower in the Duomo Firenze. The narrow ascent was rewarded with this view.

Plnnr to plan your trips

Oh my….you must try out the site Plnnr. It is fun, but more importantly useful!

This website gives a list of 20 popular travel destinations around the world,

plans an itinerary around your interests,

including how intense you want your travels to be,

and the star rating of your hotel,

then maps out the route to your attractions, and the location of hotels that match your criteria.

WOW!

I know what I am doing on my Sunday morning….

Picture of the day – Along the Arno

This picture was taken in July, 2010 as I walked along one of the bridges across the Arno River, in Florence. For some reason, I just emitted a gigantic sigh. Oh, when shall I return to this beautiful setting?!

Hostel Archi Rossi

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Someone was recently asking about a cheap and clean place to stay in Florence, which can sometimes be quite expensive. When I was there last summer, my travel partner and I actually extended our stay in that fine city partly because of a hostel called Archi Rossi.

It had everything we needed:

1. Clean. The walls were filled with graffiti but it added to the awesome character of the building. You can find my name somewhere on the second floor I believe…..

2. Helpful staff. They gave us directions and tips when needed and gladly kept re-booking us as we decided to stay “just one more night”.

3. Free internet, including a computer in the room.

4. Nice big rooms, including a pretty courtyard to hang out in.

5. Free breakfast, which was actually decent. I miss the yogurt and granola that became my standard when staying there.

6. Great location! It was very close to the train station, which was our means of entry and escape. Also close to the duomo and the leather market….mmm shoes….

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