Happily dressed in clean clothing we headed out today after a long, hard sleep. Being the seasoned travelers we are we found our way directly to the train station where I intended to purchase the train tickets for Rome in advance. Forget that, all the people not driving like maniacs on the roadway were in line at the ticket counter. Bridget attempted to help by using the automated ticketing machine but I was afraid we'd make an error and be stuck with it so we decided to wait until we returned in the afternoon. It was a cool day so to the top of the double-decker bus we climbed only to eventually scurry back down once the bus sped up the hills. We passed a house where Doystecvesky (I know I butchered the spelling) used to vacation; one designed by Michaelangelo, and numerous other former monasteries and villas. The views were spectacular! We passed vineyards, fruit orchards, flower beds being groomed, and small forests. We traveled through time and history, a cemetary, ancient walls, and streets designed hundreds of years ago while Florence was still the capital of Italy. After finishing our driving tour we left the bus and began walking to the three sights we had earmarked for today. One closed two hours earlier, one had a 2 hour wait for the next tour, and I honestly don't recall what happened with regards to the third. I bought advance tickets for the Uffizi museum and off we went to window shop. We had a lovely chat with a pottery maker and bought a trinket or two from him; we then visited a wine shop where I purchased a bottle of Muskatto wine from a former Chicagoan now married 40 years to an Italian vintner. All in all it was a very long but enjoyable day.
Tomorrow we head for ROMA!!!

Just added a post to share the good news but it didn't load; they just advised our luggage, which the airlines insisted was not lost but only misplaced, had been located. It should be here this evening if it made it to the airport early enough or first thing tomorrow. We cannot wait! At least tomorrow's adventure will be with a fresh start.

Wish you were all here to join us!

Day 2 - and our first day as actual tourists...
Rather than walk to the train station we opted to board our tour bus at the closest stop on the route. Having been unsuccessful at reaching anyone at our European contact number, we took off for what the hotel assured me was a mere 10 minute walk. Either they walk fast or know some shortcuts for about 30 minutes later we located San Marco square and waited for the bus...and waited...and waited. I then attempted to use a public phone but when I selected "help" all the instructions were in Italian! We gave up and decided to then walk to the train station where we happened to finally find our red two-storied bus. Off on the tour which was short and quick but informative and enjoyable. We also discovered we can use the pass again tomorrow and take tour B which goes into the surrounding countryside. We have met some lovely locals, seen breathtaking sights, and marveled at the blending of 700 year old history with modern updates into one of the most magical cities I have ever visited. EVERYTHING I read in preparation of this trip has proven true and we are only on our second day. We've done a small bit of shopping, a great deal of looking, and gawked as only tourists can. We've been inside churches, in outdoor markets, seen the only surviving bridge of WWII, and petted every dog on a leash I encountered! Bridget has mastered many Italian phrases and is our self-appointed tour guide. Now, if she could just slow down for her grandmamma!
We ate lunch (our main meal of choice on the trip) at a tiny pizzeria in one of the MANY squares (piazzas) we found today. Again it was incredible. A single serving pizza on a paper thin crust with vegetables, light cheese, and a skimming of an amazing tomato sauce. I helped Bridget with her's.....definitely not a single serving. The portions are huge over here so we have shared each of our two meals.
My only regret is my coffee; I miss it. A cup of "American coffee" is served in a tea cup of sorts, half full, lukewarm, and at an average cost of 2.25 Euro or nearly $3.00. I buy one a day and fill up at breakfast. Here Cappachino is Italian coffee and not what it is in the States; the hotel graciously delivers us each one each evening as we return.

Tomorrow we are off for another tour and then some museum visits...and most likely a bit more shopping.

Sunday evening we ventured out to find a local spot for dinner. Apparently the Italians do not come alive until after the sun sets and then eat late. While searching the surrounding neighborhoods we stumbled upon what appeared to be a festival. Happily saundering across the lawns towards the tents we were discussing the possibilities for dinner when Bridget stopped and doubled over in laughter...wait until you see the pics....it was actually a large series of tents with baloons and booths set up for a "kinder" party....! Needless to say we turned and left before anyone asked what we were up to.
Leaving there we crossed a bridge and found an ice skating rink! Bridget tried but I refused to don skates, fearing I'd fall and break something. I did agree to return our last night so, should I injure myself, I could rest on the flights home. We managed to ask those in charge, in our very broken Italian, if they would still be open next weekend. Ah shucks, they will be gone by then!
We did discover the small restaurant where we had a lovely meal and then walked back for an early night. I was amazed to learn tipping is not customary in Italy and is not expected either...this at the advice of our dinner server.

By 9:00 p.m. we were both asleep with a 7:00 a.m. wake up call requested.

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.