Florence, Italy Part 2
In this blog:
In this episode, the FAQ is: What should I do about travel insurance?
Today’s Destination is Florence, Italy. Part 2
Today’s Misstep- Narrow sidewalks and missing street name signage in Florence
Travel Advice: Airfares are climbing in price, so beware of sticker shock.
FAQ: What should I do about travel insurance?
I don’t have any financial affiliations with travel insurance companies, but I would follow some best practices. It’s not too late to add them if you need them. I have health insurance worldwide, and my credit card may cover additional travel items.
Solo travelers should care about this.
One example is that a comprehensive travel insurance plan can save you thousands in case of an emergency. These companies make money, so remember you are paying for their overhead and pooled reimbursements. Most people never need insurance. But if you do, invest in a good reputation to avoid unexpected costs from cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Experts say budget at least 5% of your trip cost for insurance.
Here are some possible scenarios to include insurance:
traveling internationally
the trip involves connecting flights or multiple destinations
traveling to a remote area with limited healthcare facilities
traveling to a hurricane-prone area
trip costs are non-refundable, or you can't afford to cancel and rebook
health insurance doesn't cover you abroad
want to be reimbursed if you decide to cancel your trip or return home early
If you want more info, here’s an additional reference from Squaremouth, which has provided travelers insurance since 2003. They are aggregators or brokers, and my friend Sandy recommended them as she’s looking at her options for a cruise this fall. What’s your travel insurance experience?
https://www.squaremouth.com/travel-advice/category/travel-insurance-faq
Today’s destination: Florence, Italy Part 2
Let’s talk about the Art Galleries in Florence. I’m not an artist, but still, I was impressed.
Of course, David by Michelangelo is at the Galleria dell’ Accademia, and the Prisoners sculpture is also there.
His art almost seems to release the figures from the marble, showing strength and beauty.
What impressed me was David’s large feet and hands. The serpent in his hands
was distinctly created as art outside of the church. The statue Celebrates David winning over Goliath.
https://www.accademia.org/explore-museum/artworks/michelangelos-david/#google_vignette
But what else?
The Uffizi Gallery has some world-famous art. The highlights are Botticelli's “The Birth of Venus” and Primavera, both from Botticelli and da Vinci’s “Annunciation,” which showcases his observation of nature and intricate details.
Even if you’re not an artist or have never painted, you can still appreciate the detail and human creativity showcased here from centuries ago.
How many churches are there in Florence? 65
Florence was the cradle of the Renaissance, and many churches sponsored or commissioned great artworks. So it’s not a big surprise to learn that there are so many churches, even today. Let’s discuss churches here a bit.
The most famous and photographed Florentine church is probably the Duomo. The other famous churches include Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, and San Croce.
https://florencetips.com/churches-in-florence.html
San Croce is where the stars are buried. It reminded me a bit of Los Angeles’ Hollywood Walk of Fame. I had to pay a fee to enter, but seeing the final resting spots for many of my favorite artists was worth seeing.
https://www.santacroceopera.it/en/
I'm rested. The heat is 90 degrees plus. An umbrella helps. I'm having gelato. Bus 23 is again. No one seems to pay for the bus. I'm having problems with the bank and getting texts.
What would I do next time? If possible, I would like to visit regions outside Siena and Piza.
Today’s Misstep: Narrow sidewalks and missing signage for street names
Florence has very narrow sidewalks, sometimes barely wide enough for one person, so walking them may be challenging for seniors. However, the streets’ names are not all marked, so I got lost a lot. Instead of getting lost, find landmarks that can help you navigate. Store signage, outdoor patio restaurants, and landmarks other than street names can help you return to your destination in unfamiliar places.
Today’s Travel Advice- Airfares are climbing in price, so beware of sticker shock.
Airfares may seem high, but they will be going much higher in the future due to inflation, fuel costs, and the actual plane supply has not grown yet. The pandemic hangover affects the supply of new aircraft. Fewer seats mean more per seat, as supply tries to meet demand. Airlines compensate for lost revenues by charging for everything they can, including early boarding, comfy seats, and bottled water. If you are a savvy traveler, bring less and pay less when you can to save money.
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