Yes, I apologize for the long pause. No reliable internet in Florence and upon returning for the last week I’ve been resting, working on my health after contracting a sinus infection while away.

At the Ponte Vecchio

I would have to say that one of the highlights of the trip was our time in Florence. I had been there once before about 30 years ago and was really looking forward to this visit. We stayed for our last two nights in Italy in a nice hotel highly recommended by Rick Steves, the Hotel Torre Guelfa. Situated in the center of Florence it was very convenient to all the areas we wanted to see. It was also just about two blocks to the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence.

We spent Sunday visiting the Academia where the statue of “David” by Michelangelo is on display and also toured the Uffizi Gallery where many of the Renaissance artists are on display. I especially loved seeing Botticelli’s “Spring” and “Venus” paintings. I could have sat there for hours just in that room, but there were many rooms of art to visit and not much time after waiting in the line one and a half hours to get in.

Monday was mainly spent shopping. Florence is known for its leather goods and gold. We had a lot of fun looking through many of the shops filled with beautiful purses, shoes, leather jackets, and gloves. We saw a small shop where they made handmade shoes, and I bought two pairs of flats. SOO comfortable. I also found, as the stores were closing, a beautiful purse at about half of what would have been the US price. Glenn bought a gorgeous navy leather jacket that the store was able to alter at 5 p.m. and deliver to our hotel before we left the next morning. Talk about service!

It’s nice to be home now in Oregon although winter has not yet left. We have snow this a.m. and I’m hoping it will clear out as we take delivery of the Airstream on Saturday!   The Pilgrimage is starting to take full form as we will have our traveling home to pilgrimage with!

CIAO!