"Ciao"(chow) is an interchangable word for both hello and goodbye. We used it for goodbye first thing this morning at as Bobbie, Terry, Louise and Carol took off for the "areoporta" for their flights back to Southport and Boston. What a great time we had together! Then it was "ciao" again - this time hello to Bob Shapiro and Al and Margaret Bishop as they wheeled their way into Florence after weeks on their bicycles - Bob rode from Amsterdam and the Bishop's from Basel. I forgot to get a photo of them on the bikes, but we'll do that later. Bob's wife, Nancy, flew in later from the US and everyone was reunited. We are disappointed that our friends Dan and Karen couldn't come because of Karen's recent health concerns - they will be missed! After a little rest for the weary travelers, we took a stroll down to the river and back stopping for a nice supper and some good ole' gelato! Grateful for a good transition day with everyone traveling safely. More later!
I HAVE SET UP A NEW PHOTOBLOG SITE FOR THE 2014 TOURS. YOU CAN STILL SEE PHOTOS FROM 2008 TO 2013 HERE. TO VIEW THE LATEST TOURS GO TO: WWW.INTUSCANYWITHPATRIZIA.BLOGSPOT.COM
Martedi a Firenze - Tuesday in Florence
This is the last day for Carol, Louise, Bobbie and Terry in Florence. We decided to have an easy day and just amble around Florence starting with a walk through the tunnel under the streets where you can even shop! Back up in daylight, we walked to Ognissanti (Church of All Saints) and were awed at how beautiful it was. On the way we wandered into a building that indicated that Amerigo Vespucci was born in the neighborhood and perhaps we were even on the site where he lived (everything was written in Italian). Back at the church we also went into the convent to see the wonderful 1480 fresco (painted directly on a wall) of the Last Supper by Ghirlandaio. We enjoyed the walk back home where packing was going on in the afternoon. Our "last supper" together was in the next door "ristorante" Enzo & Pietro's which we have nicknamed "Ernie & Pete's"! More later!