A really long red-eye from SF, a nest of on-and-off ramps and some 36-hour long hell later we pulled up to meet our host at a place in Italy. Before we got there, she'd hooked us up with a garage spot that avoided the ZTL. This is key. Look it up. Then she walked us to the pad. So nice to arrive into town and have her waiting there. Super helpful.

Greeted with the mwah, mwah on the cheek before we dropped our bags, we already began talking about where to go and how to get there in the city.

But first off, the place is huge. It felt like something of cross between Midnight in Paris and The Sun Also Rises. Throw in a little Howard Rourke for personality. Except not in Paris or Pamplona or New York. But the narrow streets outside the ridiculously fabulous pad were calling our names.

We were armed with grocery spots, insider corner store contacts, and a handful of sights and restaurants to try. And try we did. Tina totally hooked us up.

If it's open, book this spot now. And make the most of your stay in Florence. Enjoy.