Cristina and her apartment are lovely, just like the photos. Cristina was very helpful and accommodating. The apartment has everything one would need (just like being at home). If you're travelling light, then public transit is the way to get to the apartment. If not, it was a 15€ cab ride from Santa Maria Novella train station. There's a grocery store and a coffee shop nearby. I was travelling alone and didn't feel worried in the least. The bus stop to get to and from downtown Florence (piazza San Marco) isn't too far either and runs often. If you're an avid bicyclist, biking to and from the city core is very easy as well. There are lots of bike paths if the Italian drivers make you nervous:) Tuscany-Biketours.com were a lovely bunch of guys, if you're looking to go taste some Chianti and a Florentine lunch in the countryside either by bike or Vespa (inexpensive compared to most). Florence is a wonderful city with lots to see, do, and eat, that there's no chance of boredom. Cheers!