We are alive...and full of gelati!

Ciao!

We made it to Italy and are able to use the internet...the train ride from Switzerland to Florence was beautiful, the ALPS are something else.

Florence is bigger and busier than I (mark) expected. Rich with history, old and traditional, but yet upscale and modern at the same time. Watch out for the mopeds...they will run your ass over!

We saw the duomo, simply amazing architecture. Ate too much gelato, walked about the whole city, at least the touristy areas. Did not get to see david's wiener at the ACADEMIA museuem, but did make it to the UFIZZI with a tour by VINCENZO...and met up with him and his wife that night for drinks to thank him.

We did the wine tasting and cooking class today and it was the best thing we have done by far!!! There was only eight of us, and everyone had a great time. It was tucked away in the hills of tuscany, about a half an hour outside of Florence. We made pasta, drank vino, asked questions, drank vino, ate appetizers, drank vino, tasted olive oil, drank vino, ate fetticune, drank vino, .....BREAK....drank vino, JOE SPILLED VINO....drank GRAPPA...ate Gelato, and FINALLY drank CAFE (espresso) our driver was drinking and eating with us, but he must have a higher tolerance than us.

Tomorrow we leave bright and early for ROMA...see lots of sights and try not to get pick-pocketed.

TALK SOON, LUV TO ALL

THANKS FOR ALL THE COMMENTS!!!!

Mark & MARIE

written by mark