Dateline: Florence

Made to Rome in one piece and wallet intact. Found first night's hotel which really isnt much to write home about. Was really too tired to do much other than wander around the general vicinity of the Termini and look for food. Found a supermarket and picked up a few nibbles.

Day 2: I checked out and hauled my stuff to the meetup hotel (about a 10-15 minute walk). Then after catching my breath for a little bit, I made my way over on foot to meet the woman for the cooking class. We went over to the nearby fish monger and picked up some octopus. Then over to the nearby market place to get the rest of the ingredients for what we were going to make. On the menu were:

- Antipasto of fennel, blood oranges and oven-roasted olives.
- 1st course of rigotoni with tomato sauce and fried eggplant.
- 2nd course of octopus braised with onion, cherry tomtoes and some marsala wine
- Dolce was fresh buffalo ricotta mixed with dark chocolate and toasted almonds on fresh strawberries.

The cooking class was fun and informative.

That evening, met up with tour group and went out for dinner (more food!). the next day, we did an orientation walk of Rome. Since we started relatively early, we got to see some sites with very few tourists (such as the Spanish Steps). In the afternoon, we were pretty much on our own. We decided to go up to Gianocolo for the view of Rome from a hilltop. Afterwards, we went to the Colosseum and then walked back. For dinner, some of us went to Hostaria da Bruno (found in Lonely Planet).

Yesterday, we got up early to go over and get in line for the Vatican Museum. Unfortunately, while getting in the metro, one of the travellers had his wallet pinched! Not a great start to the day. When we got over to the line-up, the group leader took the couple over to the carbinieri to report the theft. Otherwise, the rest of the day was relatively uneventful, but this even kind of put a damper to things.

After all that, we got our bags from the hotel and caught a train to Florence. After checking in, we did a walk around the town and then up another hill for a view of Florence. Florence is more scenic.

And that brings us to today. This morning I went to the Ufizzi Museum and took my time strolling through the galleries. Then I met up with a few of the other travellers for lunch. Then I visited the Duomo (but didn't climb it). It was rather nice. Then I went over to the Mandarina Duck and bought (wait for it) 2 bags and a wallet). I won't mention what they cost. :-p

And here I am updating this. Will be heading back to the hotel soon to meet up with a few others to head over to some artisan/crafts fair.

Ciao!