I don’t know if it’s because getting there was a disaster, and so the second we were able to get off the train, I was just a hangry, overstimulated mess.. but it was a hard switch up from Venice! And it felt like I didn’t like Florence very much. I think coming from New York, I was ready for old cities that felt quiet and slower.. walking out of the train station in Florence was like omg how do I get across this street, could this sidewalk be any narrower and my GOD, it’s COLD! It was a rough start. Woke up the next day after an enchanting evening walking around- I’ll admit, Florence was swaying me. It was getting better. I was just really moody but now that I’ve eaten and rested, I was ready to get back out there! First stop- David. After having to miss the last two time slots I booked due to train delays (see part 3!) I was nervous it still wouldn’t happen. This last timed ticket was our last chance, set for the museum opening. We waited in line outside and the minute the doors opened.. we were moving. I’ll never forget walking into the room and seeing David up there. It was this manifestation of a dream I’ve had since I was a kid- a dream I never let myself pour too much want into. How could I ever travel to Italy, when leaving my house is enough to make me anxious? When I would get my history books for the year, I’d always flip to the chapters on Rome.. I never let the dream get too big that I would see Italy one day, but it was nice to submerge myself between those pages. When I planned my trip to Italy, originally the intent was Venice straight to Rome. And then I remembered David, and my feelings of ‘if I ever go that far, I have to see David’. Seeing him standing up there was this moment of wow, I can’t believe I’m actually here. He was beautiful, and I made sure to take him in from angle. I had an hour before I had to get on the next train, and believe me when I say I spent it standing in every spot in that room. When it was time to go, we stumbled out onto a sunny street, and made our way back to the train station. And I remember waiting for the next train, already going though my camera because I couldn’t wait to get those photos on my phone.. like as proof that I was there.. because I couldn’t believe it. Bracing myself for another afternoon of travel by train, we boarded and got cozy. And luckily for us, this train ran without delay.. and before I knew it, I was in Rome.. Come back later for part 5! ✨ My name is Mel & I am an artist so inspired by travel, because my anxiety almost makes it impossible for me to do so. This time, last year I embarked on my biggest adventure yet- a trip to Italy funded 100% through my art. It was a dream come true, and I stared sharing it day by day as a way to cope that it’s already been a whole year since! If you love adventure & wanderlust soaked art, stick around! 👩🏻‍🎨 #travellovers #italytravel #wanderlusttravel #travelart #travelvibes #travelwell #florenceitaly #romeitaly