Italy #11
Yesterday we had a treat -- our guide arranged for a bus to transfer us to Florence so no going up and down stairs in the train station!! It was wonderful!
We dumped our luggage at the hotel and went on an orientation walk. Saw all the famous squares, churches, etc. I don't much like being in a big city. Just not my thing.
This morning we walked to the train station which is about 15 minutes from our hotel. We got our tickets for the next two legs. Stressful!!! The machine kept putting us on different cars until we asked for isle seats. Finally got on the same car. The time we really wanted on Monday was sold out already. Today is Sat. Fortunately lots of choices.
We then walked over to the "David" museum to meet the group as we had our tickets booked a few days ago. Got in quickly of course. There was a surprise in there -- a musical instrument museum. Very interesting. Then we saw David. Wowwwww. He is quite fascinating and the way they have him lighted makes it special.He is 17 feet tall plus on a pedestal.
We found a place I had noted yesterday for lunch. Nice fresh salad with fresh cheese, tomatoes, etc. Plus a refresing lemon drink. It's hot here so get quite sticky and thirsty.
Several of us are fed up with being here. A couple aren't sleeping well so looking forward to going home on Monday. Eleanor and I don't like the crowds. We are looking forward to the mountains. Tomorrow should be a great day though as we are having a bus trip into the countryside to go to a winery and have lunch. I'll be glad to see more of the fields and cypress trees which are so typical of the area. Also the old houses with their earthy colors.
Speaking of colors. I now know where the term "burnt sienna" for paint comes from.
Shopping here is very expensive. We've priced out a few things we bought in Lucca. Many high end shops plus chain stores we have in Canada. The market is interesting and several bought leather purses there. The leather comes from South America, is made into goods here in Italy then sold at the markets by Iranians.
We are spending the afternoon in the hotel's little patio. Hope to get on the internet. Couldn't in Sienna, hence the backup.