Under the Tuscan sun

It feels good to be back under the Tuscan sun. Today I’m enjoying a sunny day in Florence, the vibrant epicenter of Tuscany. Last time I was in Florence, the city was totally overrun. The most popular places, such as Ponte Vecchio, were unbearable to pass. I felt like I was trampling upon the short tourists while getting my eyes poked out by their vicious selfie sticks.

The over-tourism problem has been an issue in Italy for a long time, but it has spread from hotspots such as Venice to many other parts of the country. The narrow streets are not so cozy anymore as thousands of tourists pass each day like a hungry horde of badgers.

Ponte Vecchio is the crowded delimiter between north and south.

Rental systems such as Airbnb may seem like a good idea at first, but it diminishes the number of apartments available for locals and students while dramatically increasing the prices. Suddenly locals feel evicted from their own city and chose to take action.

Italy is acting against the tourist hordes, as well as cracking down on Airbnb. For several years there has been a 250 euro fine for people sitting on the Spanish Steps in Rome. The popular Trevi fountain in Rome had to recently install a queue system with guards. Here in Florence, new short-term licenses have been completely banned in the center to help free up housing for locals. Some locals take it even a bit further, such as the “Robin Hood” organization which have used glue to sabotage Airbnb key boxes. Fortunately no one had sabotaged our Airbnb when we arrived.

The Duomo is beautiful from every angle.

Due to involuntary advertising on social media, some shops and features are being overwhelmed by people. The viral schiacciata sandwich at All’antico Vinaio may seem worth the queue at first, but the local media is full of horror stories about tourists littering on the ancient buildings near the shop. Same thing with the “wine windows” which have seen a upswing in popularity, they may seem harmless but the poor neighbors definitely seem to disagree with that.

Instead of getting sucked up by shady tourist traps on the large piazzas near the main sights, I sit down at Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno district, south of the river Arno. Slowly enjoying a glass of Chianti Nipozzano while watching the locals pass by. All is well under the Tuscan sun.