10/12/2012 - So, on to Florence. After our wonderful few days in Rome we are looking
forward to spending some time in Florence. We got away from Termoli
early as it was a 5 1/2 hour drive ahead of us. First glitch of the day
(and the last we hope), we took a wrong turn onto the freeway. The GPS
kept taking us around and around in circles. Eventually we gave up and
headed back to where we started from to try again. Made the correct turn
this time (stop rolling your eyes Julie, told you we'd eventually find
the right way), and soon we were flying down the freeway.

The route we took takes us across Italy towards Rome before heading north to Florence. On our way we crossed the Appennino Mountains, giving us our first view of snow capped peaks.

By the time we arrived in Florence and found our hotel, it was mid
afternoon, with the sun already dipping towards the horizon (along with
the temperature). So we settled in for the rest of the day to do some
research on where to go and what to see over the next few days.
Looks like we'll be busy. Top of the list is Michaelangelo's statue of
David, not to mention the myriad Piazzas, museums, and churches. Not to
mention the hundreds of restaurants and patisseries.

Words can't describe the beauty of Florence. Even the photos don't fully capture it. Suffice to say we have been blown away by the place (to the extent that we have decided to stay an extra day).

11/12/2012 - Well, another day in Florence. Temperature has dropped down to about 6
degrees. But the sun is shining, and the skies are blue, so an excellent day for exploring. What to see and do? Just walk around, explore, take it all in. Drink some fine coffee, maybe a glass of excellent Chianti, perhaps a bowl of glorious pasta.

Enough said.