After today's adventures I now have yet another momento...my 60 Euro cent receipt for use of a public "water closet", i.e. toilette, toiletta, bathroom. Granted it was spotlessly clean without graffiti and had a "guard" who ensured you neither snuck in nor stayed too long (really!) and of course, collected the money. I was dumbfounded to say the least but since you will not get into a ristorante, trattoria, bar, pizzeria, or cafe without paying and even a glass of bottled water is nearly 2.50, it was well worth it. We have also discovered that 90% of the doors open in, not out. The only one we have found which opened out had a sign that read "push" and another under which read "pull". Take your choice? Also, the hot water is on the right and cold on the left over here, not a major problem once you get used to the idea (in time to return to the states?). Our last major discovery is that Italians are lovely folk but some are scoundruls....in Rome a man dressed as a gladiator saw me taking a picture of Bridget and graciously offered to take one of both of us. That happens all the time at home so, why not? Then his "buddy" stepped in with us, handing us his gladiator swords as props. Why not play along. After two or three pics I thanked them and we turned to leave at which point he stepped in front of me and told me it was 10 Euros, that this was their work. I couldn't believe it and told him I refused to be scammed. We argued and Bridget reached into her wallet. I told her to PUT IT AWAY! He then said, "OK, 5 Euro". I still refused but saw Bridget was becoming embarrassed so I gave him 5 and told him he was disgusting and should be reported to the Polizia! I later learned they were not allowed to do this but got by with it all the time. The girl telling me this said I got off cheap.
So, today....what an experience. We began the morning heading out for our 10:30 appointment at the Ufizzi Gallery, reported housing Italy's finest collections from the Medici family as well as others. Thinking we could walk to it in about 20 minutes (everyone here says everything is a mere 20 minutes away), we set off at 10:00 only to not be there when we realized it was 10:30. I told Bridget how unhappy I would be after spending the money as well as the opportunity to view the artwork if they wouldn't allow us in. During this time we were crossing at Plaza San Marcos where Bridget went to one side and I the other. Following towards her I stepped off the curb without looking and nearly was run over by 3 fast moving city buses! The poor young men behind me yelled "Oh no!" and Bridget turned, thinking I was gone. Got my heart racing, to say the least. I'm sure you heard the bus horns across the Atlantic! Not to worry, 10 minutes later we were there and walking in. We went through security, stood in line, handed in our tickets and proceeded on our way when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Bridget looked at me and said "Grandma, he wants you to follow him". A security guard was directing me through a roped area and pointing. I eventually just walked in the direction he pointed and found a coat check counter; I was not allowed to wear my backpack. They couldn't have said that when I picked it up at security and put it back on?
At any rate, the exhibits were breathtaking. We saw works of Michaelangelo, Botticelli, Dante, and many more. There were incredible marble busts and lifesized sculptures. Midway I went into the cafeteria (food counter with some tables) for a cup of coffee and was asked "Will you sit or stand?" Apparently it costs more to sit down and drink even though you pick it up and carry it yourself. I stood. After awhile Bridget joined me and we finished our tour. We then left for our unplanned day (we had arranged for "no arrangements"). We walked, talked with shopkeepers, found a few great "must haves" and then got directions for a small cafe which supposedly served the best soup. As today was raining, that sounded marvelous. Who knows? We followed her directions but never found the cafe. We eventually found one we liked and had a lovely lunch of, again, Bruschetta with tomatoes and pizza and red wine. Tasty but becoming old fare. Eventually Bridget was really tired and we were within a straight shot of the hotel so I sent her back with a promise to return before dark myself. It gave us each a little time; I browsed some shops and found some more Muskatta wine for Doug, bought a few snacks and some water, and headed back. As I stopped to get my bearings I took my map from my backpack only to discover it said "Roma" in big letters; I had my tour map from Rome, not Florence! For the first time I couldn't locate a police officer so asked a shopkeeper who pointed me "straight up this road"; it turned out to be wrong but got me in the general location of Liberty Plaza which is our landmark. All in all a long day but good...oh, and as I returned to the hotel I asked if I might get a coffee from the kitchen. When the young man offered to bring it to the room I declined and said I didn't want to put him to any trouble. "Oh no, madam, that is all right. The price is the same regardless"! All this time I thought they were being considerate and bringing us complimentary coffee and cappachino. Can't wait to see that charge when we check out.
I came into the room, found Bridget safely sleeping, and when she awakened all was well with the world....I had brought her good Italian chocolate for a treat.

Good night to all. Tomorrow is horseback riding in Chianti; we meet our bus at the train station at 9:30...I called today to confirm our reservation and when I asked what the bus would look like since many line up where we are to meet, the lady said "A bus"; I asked what color and she then said "Well, it's really a white mini van". Ok, and what is written on this white mini van "Nothing", she replied "but don't worry because the lane will be blocked off (wasn't yesterday) and the man will be on the sidewalk". Since we were not asked to email our pictures I bravely asked "How will I recognize him? Will he be carrying a sign of any kind"? "No, but he will know you". This can only be interesting. Wish us luck and pray it doesn't rain.

Still wishing each of you were here to share in this venture!