Allesandra was amazing at communicating with us before, during, and after our trip. The apartment had the essentials and the PERFECT location because you are minutes from all the sites, day tour meeting places, and train station. Washer I would suggest use temp 50-60, cycle "B". Wash cycle takes a long time and then you need to hang to dry. Mosquito net...USE IT, and DEET. This is normal for Florence. The air conditioning was great but don't run more than one major appliance at the same time. We left the windows open at night to let the warm air dry our clothes while we slept. Downside is that this lets in mosquitos and the noise of the city. If the Windows are closed you will get rid of most of the noise except church bells. The Internet worked most of the time but apparently the building is getting new service next week. Internet at best is 2G speed so know that things are going to be slower than you're used to and you might not always get service. It's Italy and normal here.

We had cappuccini and cornetti at Cafe Corona (on the corner). Pay first then order. Festival of Gelato across the street try Frutti di Bosca (berry) and Fondente (dark chocolate) combo A.MAZ.ZING!!! I don't eat a lot of bread, pasta, sugar normally so my digestive system stopped moving. I wish I would found Shake Cafe (Via del Corso 28) to get fresh veggie juice and more fiber foods first thing). Residence address numbers are black or blue, business address numbers are red.

If you haven't read or watched Rick Steves books/videos...do. Learn to be a temporary local, avoid pitfalls, how to get around. Don't talk/laugh LOUD, learn the basic words of hello/goodby, please/thank you, excuse me for passing and also for getting someone's attention. Don't be an 'ugly American' and expect that things will go your way.

Pedestrians don't have the right of way. In fact, things like red lights are merely a suggestion although the neighborhood where the apartment is has very little car traffic.