Learning to Cook in Florence & Exploring the Charm of Oltrarno
- assetimages
- May 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Itinerary:
Lunch - Cooking Class in Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Making Unlimited Wine
VIATOR Starting time: 10:00 at restaurant Corte de' pazzi, Borgo degli Albizi, 54R
2P Uffizi Gallery €29 each
Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence, Italy
Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:50pm
Ponte Vecchio
Cross the Arno River - Oltrarno
Wine windows
Babae – Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 am, Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Via Santo Spirito, 21r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Santo Spirito neighborhood
Basilica di Santo Spirito - free entrance. No photos. Wooden crucifix carved by Michelangelo
Palazzo Pitti
Galleria Palatina 055-238-8614, Reserve tickets 055-294-883
Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:30pm
Grab a drink up on the balcony of Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Dinner: Trattoria San Lorenzo Firenze
The morning hadn’t gone as planned. The night before, Darwin and I had a tense conversation about our options, knowing we had checked off several sightseeing spots ahead of time. But when it came to deciding on an alternative plan, he left it entirely up to me. Not wanting to waste time in endless back-and-forth, I quickly suggested a Plan B and asked if it made sense with our schedule. There had been no agreement, no objections—just silence. So, I waited for his response.
A Slow Start and Frustrating Turns
The next morning, I took my time, giving him space to take the lead on a tentative plan—since I was still waiting on feedback. Time slipped away as our cooking class approached, and, as expected, frustration surfaced. Then came his question: “What are we doing?”
I responded simply, “I'm not sure, what are we supposed to be doing?”
He pointed out that he had already mapped out directions based on what I had said I wanted to do the night before. I reminded him that I had asked if it was a solid plan, but he had never answered. Somehow, his failure to recognize that a response was necessary was redirected back onto me.
Darwin is one of my dearest and most trusted friends. He’s dependable, kind, and responsible—except when it comes to practical judgment or situational awareness. It’s as if a switch flips—like that part of him doesn’t exist outside his routine. Although he has admitted in the past that multitasking is a challenge, I would think that would be motivation to put in more effort to keep up rather than avoiding the effort altogether.
I genuinely appreciate his enthusiasm for travel, and he is one of the few friends available to travel, so we often take trips with a group or together. I enjoy planning and organizing, but when it’s just the two of us, I somehow become a Momager. I’ve considered traveling solo, but the truth is—I’m just not that brave.
A Shift in Momentum
Ultimately, Darwin decided we’d go to breakfast—with 30 minutes to spare before our cooking class. I knew it wasn’t realistic, but I didn't want to waste any more energy trying to make him see the big picture. As expected, we ended up arriving late to the class, but luckily, they were still waiting for others to show up.
Despite the frustrating morning, the cooking class became a bright highlight of the day. It was only my second time taking a baking class while traveling, but so far, it has been one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable experiences of a trip.
Baking as a Storytelling Art
Since discovering my passion for baking during the pandemic, I launched an online bakeshop, participate in food pop-up events year-round—with Darwin as my co-vendor—and am working toward a pastry arts chef degree. But baking isn’t just about technique for me; it’s about the story behind every dish.
Whenever I have the chance to learn from local bakers in their environment, I take it. Understanding ingredient selection, cultural significance, and the personal connection behind a recipe enhances my appreciation for food. It’s more than just preserving tradition—it’s about embracing its legacy, honoring authentic baking practices, and exploring ways to make it my own.
Embracing Florence Through Food
A small group made a difference—we got personal instruction, helped each other out, and cheered each other on. At the end, we sat down at the restaurant to enjoy the food we had made, and the conversations didn’t stop. The class included unlimited wine from beginning to end, which definitely helped everyone relax.
What made the experience special wasn’t just learning to make authentic pasta, meals, and dessert, but the people in the group—including our chef.
Exploring Florence, Despite the Rain
Even with the rain, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to explore Florence’s Oltrarno district, the vibrant neighborhood on the other side of the river that I had never visited before. Surprisingly, I hadn’t even crossed Ponte Vecchio during my last trip. The rain worked in our favor—fewer crowds made it easier to walk the city.
We wandered through the bustling Piazza Santo Spirito, a lively square filled with local artisans and an authentic Florentine atmosphere. The interior of Santo Spirito Cathedral in Florence reflects Filippo Brunelleschi’s mastery of Renaissance architecture. The side chapels, set within curved niches, house 15th- and 16th-century sculptures by artists such as Rossellino, Sansovino, and Buontalenti.
One of the cathedral’s most significant treasures is Michelangelo’s wooden crucifix, carved around 1493 when he was just 17 years old. The sculpture, located in the sacristy, showcases his early understanding of anatomy and form. While entrance to the basilica is free, there is a 2-euro entrance fee to access the sacristy and view Michelangelo’s crucifix.
Ending the Day with Reflection
As the evening set in, we soaked in the charming neighborhood views while sipping an aperitivo at Hotel Guadagni’s terrace—a perfect spot to take in the beauty of Oltrarno.
Our dinner at Trattoria San Lorenzo was underwhelming—the pasta lacked the handmade touch. While mass-produced pasta isn’t bad, the meal felt generic, missing the personal connection to craftsmanship that makes dining in Italy memorable.
Even though the day had started off rough, it shaped up to be a good one overall. Being in a place like Florence, surrounded by history, culture, and incredible food, naturally invites good energy—it lifts your spirit without you even realizing it.
I was truly in my element—baking, cooking, and exploring new places bring me joy, and on this day, I got to do all of it.
It was only the second full day, and I reminded myself that sometimes, you just have to let go—trust the universe with your worries, embrace the moment, and let the experiences unfold, the good and the bad.
📍 Follow along for more recommendations and insights into Italy’s most captivating destinations!
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