Su writing:

Saturday 14-12-2013 - Rome

It was hard to believe we were finally in Italy! The hotel in Rome was very new modern, attractive aesthetically like a nightclub and 15 mins walk to the Colosseum. We did a couple of hours wandering buying an umbrella getting wet and not caring. 

Found a fantastic little place for dinner (Ristorante Da Dino) which had Pasta Fagioli (one of my all time favourites spicy beans and pasta in a thick soup) absolutely the best ever. A cheeky Prosecco to drink.

Monday 16-12-2013 - Florence

Off early trundling our cases to the main railway station Termini. After a short delay all settled and travelling on the Red Arrow at 245 kms an hour. Only an hour and a half later, we were in Florence.

After hanging out in a small bar drinking Campari (me) and a Moretti beer for Rod the landlady arrived and we finally got our cases home. 

Rod takes his exams at the bar

Not so easy over cobbled roadway and extremely narrow footpaths. 

Went shopping for basics and after a meal of fresh bread with wonderfully flavoursome tomatoes, prosciutto and Prosecco, it was very early to bed. Awake at 4.30 am.

What to do in Florence?

We decided to spend a few days in normal activities. Both fairly weary from a hectic few weeks. Need to get past 4 am rising.

We're almost locals at the Conad supermarket, the local accordion buskers corner, the magnificent Duomo (only 10 mins walk), 3 other basiIicas in beautiful green and white designs.  

Ponte Vecchio, everyone's favourite statue of David and much more, are part of our daily walk. 

Everywhere there are buildings of massive stone blocks and beautifully carved doorways four metres high. We average at least three hours a day walking, getting to know our area.

It's a luxury not having to rush from place to place. We've found some older, less splendid churches in little market squares where the tourists don't go and the coffee is cheaper - and people are very helpful and patient.

Rod lights a candle to internet connectivity 

We have been barely connected to anything, until today when Rod bought his 3rd SIM card so we can tether our phones to the laptops/tablets and see some Facebook and emails. So frustrating being forced to go outside and walk down the road to send a text or talk and not being able to update our news.

It's been  minus 3° the last few mornings a bit misty but a little sunshine in the afternoons. 

Had a scrumptious dinner at a ristorante three doors down. (see photo). Fancy Menus on iPad tablets with demos of how each dish is prepared  Again no trouble to accommodate me with  delicious vegan stuff!

Everyone is so elegant, no sneakers or tracksuits or football beanies to keep out the cold. Even the gypsy beggars are fairly well dressed. A lot of people begging even away from tourist areas.

Little dogs on leads everywhere! In bars and shops.

More strolling looking for wool (me) and winter is just beginning!

Writing postcards, finding stamps, shrieking on learning that it costs nearly $4 each to send them!

Another delicious meal about 150 metres around the corner from our apartment. A dog in attendance at the next table only slightly  embarrassing it's owners by leaving a mess on the floor. The waitress didn't falter. 

This time a respectable bedtime after 10 pm.  I'm awake again at 4 .

Our mobile numbers have CHANGED AGAIN!!! Explanation from Rod a bit later.

They are:

Rod +39 331 762 6037

Su   +39 366 362 1649