This is our last full day in Tuscany. It is a holiday here–Feast of the Assumption so lots of things are closed. This may be a day of relaxation (much needed!). It is also the first day that looks like we may get some rain.

Since I last wrote we have visited Florence and Assisi, City of St. Francis–two very different experiences. We took the train to Florence to visit the most significant cultural center in Italy (and perhaps the world). It is a huge city, like Rome, filled with museums, shops, the Ponte Vecchio, etc. It was extremely crowded and hot (what else is new!) It’s hard to see much with these conditions as well as the long lines at everything, but we did our best. We did see Michaelangelo’s statue of David as well as many other masterpieces The heat and crowds really took a toll on us, though, and we were all dying of thirst once we got off the train back home and ran into a store to get water (and Coke Light). To really appreciate Florence, you need to spend a few days. At least we got a glimpse.

Yesterday was a very different experience. We visited Assisi, home of St. Francis. It is a very quaint city with lots of nuns and monks walking around. We visited several Churches as well as the Basilica of St. Francis and saw his tomb. Luckily there were no gory sites (body parts on display) like we’ve seen with some of the other saints.

I have taken 1,220 pictures so far! (Chip, that 8 gig card keeps going and going. I have he file size set to medium). Someone asked yesterday if I could live here. Well, I don’t think I could. It is just too isolated. It is beautiful though.

Tomorrow we leave at 6:00 AM to drive to Como (near Milan) where we’ll drop off the rental car and take the train over the border to Switzerland. We’ll spend the night in Lugano (which is the Italian section of Switzerland–the other two sections are the French and German speaking ones). On Sunday we drive to Bert’s sister’s house where we’ll spend the week in Switzerland (and also take the train to Paris for two nights).

It’s so nice to be able this morning to write without feeling like I’m being rushed. It’s amazing how fast those emails pile up after not checking for a couple days.

So long from Italy. My next post will most likely be from Switzerland. Take care, everybody.

Sue, how is Tinkerbell?

Steve T., I will have an affadavit for that award

Jay, I will consider taking you next year. You would love the cycling here. Tons of people doing it.

Susie, my wounds are healing nicely

Chip and Steph, Get that cookout organized!

Sarge, I hope you’re still cracking that whip!!!!