Florence

I’d like to report that using the train system was easy, but in another language it was a little bit difficult.  The only real hitch was that no one could tell us where to get the Eurail Passes validated (first use only), so we waited in the line we THOUGHT was the right one…an hour wait…and it DID turn out to be right.  From there, everything went all right.  Walking to the hotel from the train was very easy and short.  A very quaint little place, but clean and seemingly newly renovated.  To quote Shel: “It’s precious!”

July 18:  The first and only full day in Florence.  We got to the Accademia Museum and saw as “David” among other works.  Very cool.  Also toured the Duomo and the Uffizi Museum to see “The Birth of Venus”.  Look it up, you’ll know it.  It continues to be HOT.  30+ everyday.  Thank GOD for AC in the hotel room!  Florence is much less dense than Rome – less Vespas tearing up the sidewalk — But it DOES HAPPEN still.  Florence is actually quite small.  The “touristy” areas anyway, everything is within a 10 minute walk.  Tomorrow, we’re back on the train around noon to Venice. 

On a side note, we shipped two large-ish packages home from Liverpool and painting from Rome.  No we’ve broken down and bought another suitcase.  To hell with the £4.00 extra bag fee for our one flight in Europe!  While I’m on that note: Mother, email me.  I’m sure you’re home now.  We shipped the packages to your house because we are unsure if they will beat us home or not. Mmmm-kay?

That’s all for now.  I’ll report again from Venice as we find Internet services.  Caio!