Florence

Leisurely morning packing and breakfasting, then the 25 minute walk to the Venice St Luzia station in the sunshine. Our train to Florence left exactly at 10:26. It was full, so we were not seated together: both on the window, though, and 3 rows apart.

Brother Kent rang during the trip to tell me that our 95 yo uncle Robert had died. We saw him at his home north of Newcastle a week or so ago. He was at home, but had been unwell and declining. It had been a possibility, so the memorial service for him will be in November, once we are back. He had no children. Very sad.

Funny to be in Florence on a day like this, where centuries of mankind have lived and worked and created great things. We lit a candle for Robert in a church

Only a short walk (more 2.5 mins than 25) from the train station to our B&B. Its on the 3rd floor, and below our huge window is a narrow, closed-off street, full of parked Vespas and the sound of people. It is close to pretty much everything. We walked to the Doma, via several churches, and then past the Uffizi, a copy of David, a few other palaces, the old bridge, some churches, and up to the hill overlooking the city for the fabled sunset.

For dinner we stopped at a trattoria on the way back. An American couple sat next to us. He was a retired principal and had some strong views on why the current generation was struggling with traditional education. He did not blame the parents for everything. He also despaired for the US because so many States were different to NY and California. Dinner was interesting and good, though.

Back to the B&B at 9:15 to book tickets for galleries and gardens.

16,569 steps/12.8km and 17 floors.

RIP RobertLue lisää