Will be living in Florence with my gal from June through August. Taking short trips up north to Veneto region as well. Then hitting up the west coast (Cinque Terre through Genoa) in late August, and finally down to Tuscany until we have to leave in September.
Anyone living in the area or visiting, PM me if you want to meet up.
I'm looking for some advice from people in the area (or travellers with a vast knowledge of it).
The point of the trip is to connect with the Renaissance and get a firmer understanding of the foundation of modern western culture. The secondary point is to live as a local, and enjoy as much food and wine as possible.
I've been before, but only for 1.5 weeks (Venice, Florence, Rome).
By the time I arrive, I will know enough of the language to get around, order food/buy things, and ask/answer everyday questions. Won't be above the level of pleasantries in conversation, but will continue working on it while there.
So:
- any landmarks / minor works of art off the beaten path that I should be aware of, that most tourists miss?
- what's a good neighborhood in Florence to hang out in, drink some coffee, generally experience real Italian life without getting raped from tourist prices / rushed quality?
- what is a good central area in Tuscany to stay in the countryside and bicycle to vineyards / small cities? We want to hit Montelpuciano, Pienza, Montalcino, Siena, and the various hot springs (San Filippo, Vignoni). I was thinking Pienza is roughly in the middle, but any advice would be appreciated.
- every place I've booked (so far) says they have WiFi, but I remember it being pretty weak the last time I was there. I will need to work 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. My main client pays for my phone plan, which includes long distance and data while abroad -- but of course you still need some kind of signal. Any thoughts on other strategies for connectivity?
- muslim immigrants: most of the places I want to be in are fairly safe, but my much younger girlfriend will be with me, so I want to be aware of any no-go areas in those cities...
Anyone living in the area or visiting, PM me if you want to meet up.
I'm looking for some advice from people in the area (or travellers with a vast knowledge of it).
The point of the trip is to connect with the Renaissance and get a firmer understanding of the foundation of modern western culture. The secondary point is to live as a local, and enjoy as much food and wine as possible.
I've been before, but only for 1.5 weeks (Venice, Florence, Rome).
By the time I arrive, I will know enough of the language to get around, order food/buy things, and ask/answer everyday questions. Won't be above the level of pleasantries in conversation, but will continue working on it while there.
So:
- any landmarks / minor works of art off the beaten path that I should be aware of, that most tourists miss?
- what's a good neighborhood in Florence to hang out in, drink some coffee, generally experience real Italian life without getting raped from tourist prices / rushed quality?
- what is a good central area in Tuscany to stay in the countryside and bicycle to vineyards / small cities? We want to hit Montelpuciano, Pienza, Montalcino, Siena, and the various hot springs (San Filippo, Vignoni). I was thinking Pienza is roughly in the middle, but any advice would be appreciated.
- every place I've booked (so far) says they have WiFi, but I remember it being pretty weak the last time I was there. I will need to work 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. My main client pays for my phone plan, which includes long distance and data while abroad -- but of course you still need some kind of signal. Any thoughts on other strategies for connectivity?
- muslim immigrants: most of the places I want to be in are fairly safe, but my much younger girlfriend will be with me, so I want to be aware of any no-go areas in those cities...
