Florence

On the train to Flornce we shared a compartment with an Italian couple travelling to Rome.  She spoke no English, he a little, but we had a language book, so we managed.  She was retired cafe owner and they shared her expresso with us.  The best we've had so far.  He is a captain for freighter and travels the world.  One son lawyer, other finishing electrical engineering degree.  (not bad for a language barrier)  Once off the train we realized we'd missed another photo.  1st miss was on the train from Pompeii to Sorrento.  Robert sat beside an older, beautiful man who had his eyes closed.  Robert began to explain how he thought all the trains used the same track (even going in opposite directions), and only at the stations would the tracks multiply to allow passing.  Of course I thought this was nonsense and an incredibly dangerous idea.  Then I noticed the old man had a big smile on his face.  We talked the remainder of the trip.  He was on his daily commute from Naples to a little town near Sorrento.   We have met so many nice, friendly, and helpful people.  Once we were . . .

Duomo

bridge over Arno

Ponte Vecchio - only bridge in Florence to escape bombing by Germany as they were retreating

re getting ready to board a train and some man saw the ticket in my hand.  He stopped me and made me understand I needed to wait for the next one.  So glad we did't end up in the wrong city.  Still learning.

We're staying in Florence for 4 nights and doing a day trip to the medieval town of Sienna.  Have I mentioned that we are loving Italy?