Day 1, 6/8/22, part 2

Since we arrived in Florence a little earlier than we expected, we had some time to explore.

After the requisite sit in the piazza (see previous blog entry), we headed off to find a bike shop that Mike found online. Like most shops in town, it was a tiny hole in the wall. There were two parts, a repair shop and a shop selling bikes bikes and gear.

They had great stuff and we bought bike jerseys (not that we need more bike jerseys).

Here's the repair shop next door.

Most vehicles in Italy are smaller than in the US which is a real advantage getting around the narrow streets. There were Smartcars, but this Citroen was even smaller than a Smartcar.

There were lots of charging stations for electric cars although I'd say the proportion of electric cars to gas-powered cars is about the same as in the US.

This tiny car is even smaller than a Smart Car.

Small motorcycles are really popular and practical.

And it was cool to see a lot of women riding motor cycles. It kind of takes some of the macho out of it. Here's one riding away from Walter.

Because it's Italy, the occasional muscle car had to be a red Ferrari.

There were these wine doors in exterior walls. This one was right around the block from hotel.

Here's the sidewalk for context.

We found out later from our tour guide that this was a way to sell wine safely.

And this caught my sociological eye.

The Chinese are EVERYWHERE!