Following Saturday’s market, we had a jam-packed day that went something like this (unfortunately, I don’t remember the EXACT order).

We walked and did a little more shopping with our hosts. The whole city feels like a big outdoor market on the weekends, with stands selling everything “Italiano” — olive oil, truffles (my new obsession), aperitivo, vino, and lots of leather (belts, jackets, purses, gloves). I bought a delish truffle “relish.” I want to put it on everything — bread, pasta, my finger.

Here's the crew...walking.

A neat shot from our walk. A carousel in front of this old archway on our way to lunch.

Then, for lunch.

This was the wine Dan picked. It was super yummy. Remember it.

After some seriously delicious pizza and vino, we had to re-energize with coffee. Here's Lindsay and her tiny little macchiato. This is unlike anything you get at Starbucks.

We continued strolling, stopping at a few paper stores. Florence is known for stationary and marbled paper — something I did NOT know until Lindsay, my paper-obsessed travel buddy, informed me of this interesting piece of trivia.

Here's a woman actually creating marbled paper. This was later in the day, but the demo fits better here in my story.

Then, onto leather jackets. In 2010, I regretted not purchasing one. I had just started my business and was a lot more careful with my spending. Fortunately, el presidente and Terese were regulars at this particular store, and we got their discount. It was almost too good of a deal to pass up (we’re talking, they knocked off like 160 euros).  Jeff agreed I made the right choice: “You couldn’t have afforded NOT to buy that jacket.” My thoughts exactly.

Here are Lindsay, Terese, and I sporting our purchases later in the day. I sort of talked Lindsay into getting one (Terese helped), but she was clearly pleased she had caved. She will look soooo cool going to concerts in this authentic Italian leather, undoubtedly impress her new beau, and just look far more sophisticated and trendy than any of her U.S. colleagues and friends (especially in central NY).

Here we are with Terese. She's wearing a previously purchased jacket, too.

I was a little upset when I found out my jacket was made of baby lamb. Don’t hate me, animal-loving friends. The lamb was already dead and probably organic. And he’s really soft. (Sorry). A tip for those of you considering a jacket — don’t ask what it’s made of.

After we dropped our goods off, we continued on to more touristy sight-seeing things.

The basilica of San Lorenzo, the oldest church in Florence and where the famous Medici family is buried.

Same church, San Lorenzo, different view.

The inside courtyard was also very beautiful, with an orange tree planted in the middle.

San Lorenzo courtyard area. Orange tree. Go 'Cuse.

From here, some more museums and then on to the Boboli gardens behind the famous Pitti Palace, an excessively opulent home to the Medici family (we went inside on Sunday, so hang tight).

I realize I didn’t take many pics from the inside of the gardens, but the views of the city and of Tuscany are amazing. Here are just a few photos.

View from Boboli Gardens.

Tourist shot!

A view of olive trees from the back end of the Boboli gardens.

Not sure what to say about this one.

This somewhat concluded our day. We had a fab dinner later that evening at Ristorante la Giostra, where there’s a human menu recited from the owner who models his style after Jack Sparrow.

More to come, but for today, I am outta time. More on the inside of the Pitti Palace and my day trip to Pisa tomorrow!

Ciao.