Shortly after initial blog posting we were directed to our room; access is via a sweeping grand staircase of marble - quite lovely. The room is smaller than appears online (fancy that) but very charming with amazingly high ceilings and a window looking out over the courtyard. To open the window we operate a large hand crank and then slide the enormous shutters to the side...very interesting. There is a wet bar (I have instructed Bridget to ignore it; we'll buy juice for our fridge.) satellite tv, high speed, and an electronic mosquito repeller gadget...had to get the housekeeper to explain that one. The bath is lovely (complete with bidet?); the entire hotel was recently renovated. We settled in and then both took naps; Bridget is trying to wake as I type and we then intend to stroll "downtown" into the historic area before dark and sample some authentic foods. Not far from the hotel Daniel (taxi driver) pointed out a musicfest of sorts taking place today. Hopefully we'll get there while it is still going on.

More later...cannot upload any pics until I buy an adapter.

Off to a rough start

Well, the big day finally arrived! Saturday, 2/27, Bridget and I left Tri-cities around 6:00 a.m. after a few hours sleep and headed for Charlotte and our connection to JFK in New York. Things went smoothly enough checking in, doing customs, and then sitting down to wait at JFK for our flight to Frankfort, Germany. We had a great lunch and Turkish coffee in New York, napping as we could. The flight was quite full so we couldn't stretch out but the seats were comfortable and the attendents courteous. I found it especially interesting (and pleasant!) when they served wine with my dinner and then offered cognac or Bailey's with desert.
We had a two hour lay-over in Frankfort so I stretched out on the seats and napped. There was a moment of panic when I awakened and couldn't find Bridget. It was nearing boarding time and I was pacing only to find her behind me, stretched out on some seats, sleeping. In Frankfort they bussed us to our plane; by the time we arrived I thought we had driven all the way to Florence! In Florence we were disappointed to find our luggage did not make the connections. The attendant insisted we were "not to worry, that the luggage was not lost but only missed". Apparently this is a common malady. I am lucky in that I had a carry-on with a change of clothes and toilitries; Bridget does not. We have discussed options and will wait and see what tomorrow brings. According to our young, handsome desk clerk, luggage is not delivered on Sundays so it will be tomorrow afternoon at the earliest.
Our 20 minute taxi ride ($25 Euros - do the math) was an adventure. They truly do drive like maniacs here! Our driver was sweet, though, Danielle, and he gave us a short tour of the highlights. He was encouraging when he saw our hotel choice and told us it was in a safe neighborhood and very popular. It is actually in an old villa and although "aged", very well kept and charming. We are now sitting in the reception area awaiting our room.