Josephine Adeline

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Firenze! (Florence!)

Gorgeous churches, Tuscany wine-tasting, and Cinque Terre, all in two days!!! 
Ok, so, I’ve seen a ship load of churches on this trip. All of them are pretty, but a lot are very similar. Being realistic, I wasn’t expecting much difference in Florence. BUT I’m so excited to say these were totally different! Forget the stone. Forget the white marble. They give you pinks, greens, and blues! Super girly and frilly, and super cute. 
After an easy morning I spent the afternoon on the Tuscan countryside tasting all the wine. (Yeah I was looking forward to this). Visiting a small traditional family winery that makes about 10,000 bottles a year, then a big company that produces over 8000 bottles a week; the glasses kept filling. After bringing out the locally made goat and sheep’s cheese, by the end of the day I was one happy camper. 
Next day was oceanside living in the colourful Cinque Terre region, comprised of 5 towns, all with fun colourful houses on the cliffs surrounded by (more) perfectly clear, blue waters. Cliff-diving enthusiasts: this is the place for you! Originally a fishing village, now mainly a tourist destination, it is the birth place of pesto! Eating, swimming, relaxing, exploring...life is good.

Combined 30,000 steps, 2 easy perfect days, and I’m on the train to Switzerland tomorrow!
 

Santa Maria del fiore church built between the 13th and 15th century. 

The massive beautiful door of Santa Maria Novella church (I know similar name, different building. It confused me too. They must really like Santa Maria )

The Santa Maria del fiore church has the largest brick dome ever constructed, also known as The Duomo

Tuscan hills covered in wineries. 

Cinque Terre  (pronounced ching-ka-terra)

Perfect waters and perfectcliff diving spots

Fun colourful streets