The last day and the last goodbyes

We did rise in time for the breakfast buffet once more where Chris and I pillerged goodies for tonights train trip, before going back to the hotel room to shower and pack.

We checked out just after 12 and took a taxi into the centre of Imola where we found a nice little café and sat down for a quiet drink and chat. It was very nice to be able to relax here and just sit in the shade for some time, as again, it was bloody hot!

After an hour or so we thought that we’d really better make an effort to move, so heaving our bags onto our backs and Lidija pulling hers behind her, we made our way back to the little local spot that made padinas, they were just as yummy as they were the first time we had them! We sat here for a little while before once more heaving bags and trekking to the train station. Mari had pointed out her place of work over the weekend, and it just happens to be right next door to the train station, so we made a quick stop in here to say good bye once more. It was nice to be able to see Mari once more and surprise her at work, though, we must have looked a site, sweaty, puffed and dragging bags with us.

We only had a small wait really for the train, for this we sat in the shade and had a cool drink before the local train came along and took us to Bologna where we were to catch our next trains, Lidija to her home country and Chris and I onto Florence for the night. It wasn’t long at all before our train came along and it was time to say goodbye to Lidija. It was another sad goodbye with big hugs and promises to keep in touch (as if we wouldn’t! We’ve been writing for 14 years, why stop now!)

Chris and I jumped onto our train and in 2 hours were stepping off in Florence. What a beautiful city this one is! We hurriedly made our way to our hostel, which was only a 2 minute walk from the station, had a shower and a little rest before heading out to see the sights of Florence.

It is beautiful!! We walked around until we came across the Dome, and it is AMAZING! So stunning and gorgeous! We spent a long time staring up at these buildings and taking many photos, you just wanted to look forever, but eventually our tummies grumbled and it was time to move on and find something to nibble on. We found a lovely, friendly little café run by some of the nicest men in all of Florence. They were incredibly friendly and even gave us a free dessert, which meant we liked them even more! 

We moved on once more and came across an open air statue ‘museum’ All the statues that are here are replicas of the real thing, the most famous being the statue of David. We took many photos here before once more moving on and coming across the River …It was very pretty here and was swarming with tourists! We spent just a little time here before heading back to the hostel for a good nights sleep.

written by  Chris and Emily on July 27, 2009 from Imola, Italy
from the travel blog: Europe 2009
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