My trip, however, had a different feel to it. Although I have no regrets spending time in Rome, Assisi, and Cortona, I missed my usual two weeks in Florence. Nor do I have any complaints about the monastery where I stayed. However, its location was not quite as central as I like, and I missed the ambiance of an apartment where I could prepare a salad and get into the rhythm of living in the city.
On the other hand, if it weren’t for my shortened stay, I might never have decided to take advantage the free historical and cultural offerings of Florence. The only entry fee I paid was four euros to see the frescos painted by Fra Angelico’s in the monks’ cells at the Convent of San Marco. I could have spent another five days being Free in Florence.