Let the tourists take over!

After more trains (public transport seems to be the theme of this trip!) we arrived in Florence. While quite a bit smaller than the other major cities in Italy, it was much larger than the other places we has visited so far. I love how old everything is here in Italy, and while I don't think Florence has as much upkeep as some of the other major cities it is still amazingly beautiful. While Dad had his conference to head to, Mum and I spent some time exploring and gearing up for the shopping to come. Having never been to Florence compared to my parents visits a couple of times, there was so much I wanted to see and therefore I was in control of the map when sightseeing with Mum. While browsing we headed into a jewellery store and just happend to get caught in amongst a bunch of other Aussies- including the manager. Pictures were taken, including the one below which the manager asked me to send to her. Definitely a memorable moment!

Eight unknown Aussies meet in Italy- hilarities ensue!

Besides doing the usual touristy things in Florence (Duomo, statue of David, leather markets and Ponte Vecchio etc), we did the ultimate tourist run, renting Segways for an hour, resulting in a few bumps and bruises for both Mum and I. I think I ran over my ankle but I am not too sure how that happened, nevertheless it still hurts about a week later! It was pretty cool to be able to move around the city, but I know we caused quite a bit of trouble trying to sneak through tiny alleyways or getting caught being chased by a taxi (that one was Mum)! Just trying to maintain my balance was a challenge, but I managed to stay on-board the entire time.

Segways in-front of the Shul, aren't we cool!

With the weather heating up it was a nice change when we got to Lago di Garda to have some sun and a pool to relax in. I think I am now looking pasty, not translucent due to the minimal tan I got up there! Taking advantage of what we thought would be a beautiful day turned out to be a trek in the rain to visit one of the near-by towns on the lake, as well as exploring the town we were staying in- Desenzano del Garda. Being up by the lake on a holiday weekend meant a lot of things were closed, but there was a large amount of tourists, both foreign and Italian, visiting the area. We even managed to spend some time on bicycles, and this time none of us fell over (although I will admit I had a few close calls myself)!

With my parents trip coming to an end we began to head back into Milan so I could show them around my town. Being Primo di Maggio, the Worker's Day holiday, everything was closed and so I managed to show them my Milan on foot- favourite cafes and restaraunts, shops and my university. At Mum's insistence we had to take the typical family-shot in-front of the Duomo, and I do believe Dad said he would photoshop Liron in (hi Liron). On the first of May there is a big parade in Milan for the workers. What we thought was a parade was actually more of a demonstration, and we spent over an hour waiting in the rain for it. To be honest I could have given it a miss- advice for anyone who is coming here next year!

One of the last early morning wake-ups planned for a while took us to see Da Vinci's The Last Supper. Considering the way it had been treated before the restoration took place, it is amazing to see the condition it is in now. Anyone who knows me knows I am not one really for art, but I think that being here in Europe with access to so many amazing paintings and statues might change that. I am already voluntarily going to galleries at 8 o'clock in the morning!

It was good to see the parents and have a bit of love from home, so anyone else who wants to come visit or stay, feel free. Organising my summer travels now so getting ready to see some more friends from home, can't wait!