A Milestone Birthday in Florence: A Journey of Art, Flavor and Reflection

Itinerary:

• Galleria dell'Accademia - Michelangelo's David €20 each

  • Via Bettino Ricasoli, 60, 50122 Florence, Italy

  • Daily 8:15am-6:50pm. Closed Mondays

• Wine Windows (buchette del vino) around della Academia

  • Via degli Alfani, 78r

  • Via Cesare Battisti, 6

• Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore - requires tickets. There are three entrances: the main façade entrance located on the west façade, north entrance features and almond sheet relief depicting the assumption of divergent, and south entrance

  • Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

    • Mon-Sat 10:15am-3:45pm

  • Battistero - The Baptistery of Saint John or the Baptistery di San Giovanni 

  • Campanile de Giotto

• Duomo Wine Windows (buchette del vino) around Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiori

  • Via de'Pucci, 4* - Cantina de Pucci

• Lunch

  • Trattoria Sergio Gozzi

• Mercato de Nuovo - Straw Market is located in the historic center of Florence

  • Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Florence, Italy

  • Il Porcellino is the local Florentine nickname for the bronze fountain of a boar

    • rub snout for good luck and ensure a return to florence

      • drop a coin between its jaws aiming for it to fall into the grating below on first tray to give good fortune

• Piazza della Signoria - L-shaped square 

  • Palazzo Vecchio - Free entrance

• Vivoli Gelato

• Santa Croce - largest Franciscan church in the world; it is also called the "Temple of the Italian Glories" because many of the country's great heroes are buried here including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini.

  • Piazza Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Florence, Italy

    • Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 12:30pm-5:45pm

    • You can buy tickets at the ticket office of the monumental office complex or online €8

    • Wine windows around Santa Croce

      • Piazza dei Peruzzi, 1

      • Via dei Benci, 20

      • Piazza di Santa Croce, 2

  • Ponte Alle Grazie - viewpoint/photo spot for Ponte Vecchio

  • Dinner: Trattoria Enzo e Piero

Santa Maria del Fiore

This journey to Italy marks a milestone birthday for me—a celebration of all the things meanigful :to me: history, regional food, art, and the joy of travel. Adding a beautiful layer of meaning, it coincides with the jubilee year of the Catholic faith, offering me the perfect opportunity for reflection and gratitude.

As I celebrate another year of life, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am. While I don’t always pause to count my blessings, this milestone has prompted me to reflect deeply on my habits, aspirations, and priorities. Recognizing areas where I’ve fallen short has inspired me to approach this trip as a chance to spiritually and mentally realign. More than anything, I wanted to be present in the moment and fully savor the journey.

Reaching this milestone has brought me a sense of awareness in inching closer to my true self, which includes my unique style—something others have imitated that feels like a flattering reflection of my individuality. I’ve never felt the need to compare myself to others or outdo anyone—I’ve always followed what resonates with me. As I get older, I’ve come to consider a few individuals as role models, drawing inspiration from their qualities such as wisdom, tenacity, empathy, humility, modesty, and financial stability. I am actively working to bring those elements into my own life, prioritizing being put-together rather than just appearing it.

Fostering positivity, both within myself and in my surroundings, remain a central goal. Yet, I've come to understand that self discovery is a continuous process. Ironically, I’m uncovering passions now that I wish I’d found out about myself even a decade ago. But it’s never too late—What matters is moving forward without regret and putting my whole self into everything I’m passionate about, as I always strive to do.

For my birthday, I immersed myself in the rich artistry and history of Florence, creating a day filled with culture, beauty, and indulgence. The morning began at the Galleria dell'Accademia, where I stood in awe before Michelangelo’s David—a Renaissance masterpiece that felt like the perfect gift to myself.

Lunch led us to Trattoria Sergio Gozzi, where every dish tasted like nonna’s traditional recipes. Paired with Tuscan wine, the meal complemented the day’s cultural journey. In the afternoon, we explored the architectural marvels of Piazza del Duomo, beginning with the stunning Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore. Its entrances welcomed us with intricate details, followed by the grandeur of the Battistero di San Giovanni and Campanile di Giotto—each a testament to Florence’s artistic legacy."

In the heart of the city, the Mercato Nuovo, also known as the Straw Market, added a touch of fun to the day. I rubbed the snout of Il Porcellino, Florence's famed bronze boar, for luck and tried my hand at dropping a coin between its jaws into the grates below for fortune and that it would also ensure I'd return to Florence, however, my coin missed its mark, but I still hope to return to Florence one day.The Piazza della Signoria came next, where I admired its lively atmosphere and the grandeur of Palazzo Vecchio.

A stop at Vivoli Gelato was a sweet break, offering a taste of Florence’s famed gelato. Vivoli Gelato features two distinct entrances—one dedicated to their coffee affogato and the other to their gelato and bakery items. The café offers limited seating, with just 5-6 tables available. You can opt to sit on the sidewalk directly outside the establishment or across from it to savor your treat. I tried the pistachio gelato and coffee affogato, but I found the coffee affogato to be the more enjoyable choice.

One thing that truly captivated me was Florence's wine windows, or buchette del vino. These small openings, carved into the walls of historic buildings, date back to the Renaissance era. They were originally used by merchants to sell wine directly to locals, offering a practical and charming way to enjoy Tuscany's wines. Today, some of these windows have been revitalized, serving drinks and adding a modern twist to their timeless appeal. They offer a fascinating glimpse into Florence's unique history and a delightful way to connect with its heritage.

As evening set in, Santa Croce provided a quiet space for reflection. Standing in Florence’s historic Franciscan church, I felt grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to travel, explore, and appreciate meaningful experiences. This journey has been about art, history, and self-discovery—each moment reinforcing the value of these experiences. In this sacred space, I took a moment to acknowledge the path I’ve traveled and the adventures ahead, while seeking divine intervention for areas of life that need growth and renewal.

Finally, I took in the "Instagram" views of Ponte Vecchio from Ponte Alle Grazie, capturing breathtaking photos in the early evening light. Dinner at Trattoria Enzo e Piero brought the delicious end to my birthday celebration—a feast of Florentine flavors.

Every moment felt like a celebration of life and culture, leaving me with cherished memories that will forever warm my heart. Florence truly knows how to make a birthday unforgettable.