We are now in Florence, after coasting through over a week in Spain. Spanish food, and its lack of variety, was definitely wearing on me by the end of our time there, but the way they eat there- specifically the concept of tapas, is something America can learn from. Madrid and Barcelona were both great, but I can't pick favorites, both had their unique charm. For Barcelona in particular, we definitely benefited from traveling in the off season- crowds were smaller, lines shorter, and everything had less of a "touristy" vibe.

Bottom line- if you aren't too concerned with sun and hot weather, I've found fall can be a perfectly acceptable time to visit.

We had a short stopover in Milan before heading to Florence today. Milan has very little to do other than shopping, its definitely not a tourist stop. Yesterday was one of our best and most unique meals- thanksgiving dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant my Dad had visited years ago (Bagutta).

Though I've been to Florence briefly before, the city has always been one of my favorites, so I am glad to visit again. Our hotel may have the best location ever- directly beside the Ponte Vecchio, the city's famous bridge. I have a few days here before heading to Rome on Sunday night, and flying home Monday morning.

Sorry about the lack of pictures, ill probably have most up once the others get back and we get a chance to compile everything.

Ciao!