Week 3 - Florence, Italy

(Additional photos can be viewed @maddox_nunn on Instagram) 

No one will deny that one of the greatest sources of happiness is food, and when someone mentions great food there's a pretty good chance that your mind will drift to what some might call the king of it all: Italy. You're approaching the country entirely wrong if you don't devote at least one day of your stay to hunting for a place or two you can recommend to people back home. So, I did just that, computer in one hand notebook in another.       (I looked the part of true critic) 

Three places stood out to me on my adventure: Vivoli (Affogato), SimBIOsi (Class), and Pompi (Dessert)

I don't think any espresso drink will ever match this affogato experience, when I say this will change the game for you, I mean it. (If you're looking for credentials, I was a Starbucks barista, calling me uncultured or admiring my expertise is up to you)

When I arrived there was a decently long line, which tripled in size, after I managed to receive my gift from heaven. It offered a hole in the wall vibe, the outside of the store isn't too enticing, but the line outside is enough to draw your attention. Even if you arrive not knowing what they're famous for a quick look around fills you in: Affogato. The inside itself offers limited seating and a dimly lit atmosphere, most people end up sitting on the streets and steps around the shop. This isn't something to complain about however, it's part of the experience. Sitting on a curbside in Florence sipping Affogato, reflecting on life or people watching, it's perfection. The affogato itself is a simple espresso shot poured over gelato, but I think the quality of Vivoli's gelato is what makes it special. It's a simple milk cream flavor, that's smooth and not to rich. That balanced with a well pulled shot of espresso makes for the perfect way to start your Italian morning. 

Now one cup isn't enough to satisfy the average person, so you have a few options...order five of them or continue your food adventure.

While I did experience other places on that same day I want to draw your attention to not just a meal that will leave you satisfied, but an experience that creates an amazing memory. While in Florence I got the chance to experience a cooking class with the rest of my travel group at SimBIOsi. The menu consisted of gnocchi with pesto, carbonara, tiramisu, and of course a glass or two of wine. The smile on my face during this experience is enough to sell this class, but let's go into a bit more detail. The class was led by a former Michelin star chef, Italy is famous for not only it's pasta but pesto, and tiramisu is just tasty so why not learn how to make it?

Besides your food will naturally taste better if you have to work for it, and you won't have to worry if you missed the gym the previous day because you'll get the perfect arm day from whisking up the ingredients for dessert. 

Speaking of dessert what about a quick treat before dinner? 
I think I made it pretty clear I love tiramisu, so without further ado my final recommendation: Pompi.
If you're getting tired of my recommendations do not fret because this one came from my rather experienced guide. This man stood in front of the shop like a deer in headlights, if he had to get ran over to get his five-euro tiramisu he would, and after trying some I would get ran over with him. We walked past it on our way to dinner, and like any kid would dream we had dessert before dinner. It was light, not to rich, and visually appealing to. Listen it was so good I'm considering hiding my future wife's engagement ring in it.

(If I manage to find love that is) 

Now I promise Italy has a whole lot more to offer than just food, but I want to hone in on one last thing: it's beautiful.

 Florence is cramped, but if you find yourself staying on the central streets or in a large group I will 100% advocate for exploring it at night. Of course, this comes with all the regular warnings of going out, but there's something special about it. I spent hours just wandering the streets, not stepping into any shops. Simply walking, talking, and soaking in the atmosphere that Italy has to offer.

If Italy's atmosphere is so great I can't leave you with just one experience so I'll offer one more.
Experience Sienna, climb up the Torre del Mangia if you feel like it. 
(With only 2-3 hours there this was my initial plan until I failed to get tickets in time)
Though I invite you again to simply wander, walk down random streets, take random turns, walk around with the curiosity of a three-year-old who's experiencing everything in the world for the first time. I like to call my wandering 'photo-hunting,' because if you ask anyone on my trip that's really what I'm doing. So, with that I want to show you one of my favorite shots of the entire trip: 

I did get the chance to sit on the swing myself, overlooking the entire city, repeating to myself: 'this is His creation.'
After I had finished the pastries I bought from a bakery I walked past on my adventure, as anyone would, I swung myself higher and higher. Each time trying to see farther out across the horizon. 

After a while though a young couple with their daughter came up and started pushing her on the swing. I was content just watching, asking myself what was going through the child's head. Was she aware of how beautiful the landscape she was looking out at was? I'd bet her imagination is richer than mine, so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. 

I want to leave you with this, no matter where in the world you decide to go, experience it with the curiosity of a child. 

(for additional insight check out @_hisperspective on Instagram)