Being a digital nomad is cool, fun, until it’s not, and you get yourself into strange or odd moments at time. And I’m here today to share a bizarre story that I doesn’t happen to many!
I’m about to share a hilariously unexpected chapter from my digital nomad diary – a day I accidentally turned into a tour guide at Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Yes, you read that right. Here’s how my regular day morphed into an episode straight out of a travel comedy.
My Trip to Florence
First things first, let me tell you what I was doing in Florence.
I planned a 3-week escapade in Tuscany in December 2023. My journey included a few days each in Pisa and Lucca, absorbing their unique charm and history, before heading to Florence for a nostalgic 3-day visit.
Florence wasn’t new to me; I had lived there a few years back. Returning felt like reuniting with an old friend – familiar streets, the comforting aroma of fresh pasta and pizza, and the timeless beauty of the Arno River.
It was during this visit to Florence that I found myself unwittingly playing tour guide at the Cattedrale del Duomo di Firenze – a story I’ll share here below, but first, let me tell you why health issues kinda ruined the plans I had.
Why My Trip to Italy Was Ruined for Health Issues
My original plan was to meander through Tuscany, soaking in the beauty of its smaller towns, as I had done during my previous stay in Florence. However, fate had other plans. I was struck down by gout, and it lasted 2 whole weeks.
I found myself at a public hospital to see a doctor and confirm gout. Being half Italian came with its perks – I was entitled to free healthcare. But even with that, the doctors at the public hospital provided little relief, and just recommended some rest.
Rest, however, did not do the trick.
A week into it, with no improvement, I was left with no choice but to seek a second opinion. This time, I turned to a private medical center. The contrast in care was stark. They prescribed medication to reduce uric acid levels, and to my relief, I began to feel better within a few days.
With my health slowly returning, I was determined to make the most of my remaining time in Italy. And that’s when the unforgettable Duomo tour guide incident happened.
Thankfully, I always travel with insurance, and I chose SafetyWing, which I’m subscribed for years, and they helped when I needed the second advice at the private medical center.
Being a digital nomad, I NEED travel insurance, and I honestly couldn’t recommend SafetyWing more, they’re the best insurance money can buy.
The Scene: The Wrong Tour Guide in Florence
Picture this: Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance, with its art, history, and cuisine that can make any heart sing. On this particular sunny day, I was at the Cattedrale del Duomo di Firenze, and I was the first person in line to get in!
The Cathedral was amazing, and it was even better being the first person to get in and seeing it empty. If you haven’t been to Florence yet, I highly recommend you add it to your wishlist now.
Now, the incident happened after my visit, which took about 30 minutes.
As I stood there right in front of the cathedral, a group of tourists gathered around me. Maybe it was my intense study of the map or my camera slung over my shoulder, but they mistook me for someone who knew their way around – a local guide.
Before I knew it, one of them asked me about the history of the Duomo.
Now, I’m no art historian, but thanks to my pre-visit research, I had a few interesting tidbits up my sleeve. So, I shared what I knew, throwing in some humor to spice things up.
Don’t get me wrong, the moment was funny, but I could see the confusion in some people’s faces!
We talked about its incredible dome, designed by Brunelleschi, and the stunning artwork adorning its walls. I pointed out Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors.
After a while, the real tour guide came up to me and said “Good job” – He was there the whole listening!
At that point, I confessed to the group that I wasn’t a tour guide, just a traveler that used to live in Florence, and we all had a good laughter. We spent the next hour exchanging travel stories and tips over gelato, and then they continued their visit and I continued mine.
Conclusion: Embrace the Unexpected
So, that’s the tale of how I became an improvised tour guide at Florence’s Duomo! Did you enjoy my short, silly story?
This is the evidence that, while social media and AI are part of our daily lives, it’s still possible to have a fun moment with strangers, no matter where you are in the world!
