Tales of Firenze: Getting In

The first time we went to Firenze (Florence) we got hopelessly lost on the approach and found ourselves on a hill overlooking the Porta Romana, one of the main gateways into the old city. There were two Carabinieri, kind of like our State Police, but National. They had side arms and each had a machine gun slung over their shoulder. I gestured to the closest and said “Excusi Signora”. The big cop looked very suspicious and hostile and began walking in my direction. I held up the map and gestured that we were lost. He loosened up and showed us how to get into the Porta. Only then did I realize I had called him “Lady” instead of “sir”. Crap. No wonder he looked hostile. But I am sure he got a few laughs at the barracks that night.
This time we went right in with Sal the faithful navigator but couldn’t get where we were going according to the directions. Why? Well, the US Consulate is near the Anglo-American Hotel, and for security reasons had blocked off several streets. The one-ways were changed and it seemed no road led to the Hotel. We finally asked for directions and got there eventually. Very frustrating. The British Consulate, right down the road from the American one was completely open. No guards, no barriers, no police.
For the next few days we walked or took cabs.
Image of Carabinieri: http://www.pachinocamnews.it/
Image of Porta Romana: http://www.virtourist.com/