We are now on the train from Florence to Venice and starting to get confident with the process of catching trains in Europe. We have just completed a 3 night hit and run on Florence and feel very satisfied with what we achieved in so short a period. Florence immediately impressed as more stylish and relaxed cente. Food is on every foot path and around every corner. Our hotel Bonnefacio was only around a 10 minute walk to the historic centre. So we started with a stroll down to the San Lorenzo leather market where our mission was to pick the real deal and avoid the Chinese knockoffs that were everywhere. After a while walking we found a leather shop where the guys seemed genuine and we bought a number of smaller items.. coin purses etc. We dined on the edge of the market and ket particularly liked the Taglatelli with wild Boar... which was the closest thing we could find to Noodles. in the evening we hit a local pub near our accomodaton and had " happy hour' which in Florence means having all you can eat beautiful anti past buffet and a drink for 7 Euros. Then an early night.

The next day we walked through Florence to Siesta on Arno at the top of the Westin Excelsior with views too good to describe over the enchanting Florentine landscape. the breeze cooled us as we sat out on the Terrace eating too much food and working on my flotation for the Maui swim. Another overdose of delicious italian carbohydrate . We opted to walk home and to just wing it through the streets ( with google maps running as a safety net) We found our way through various lanes and Ket brought a very nice sun dress from a local shop and local designer. Eventually we made it to home and then back to our favourite San Lorenzo Ristorante for some more past and Wild Boar with a take away for Ket's breakfast. She has not yet bought into the blandness of the continental breakfast. On then to St Mark's Anglican Church for some Opera Duets but leaving at intermission for an earlier night.

Our final day was a walking extravaganza combining a morning and afternoon waling tour. The first commencing at Point Veccio bridge and finishing with Michelangelo's David in the Academia. Again what a statue... what an artist. I think ken Done and Reg Mombassa have quite a bit to learn yet.... The Academia was followed by a tasty pastaa and Coos coos salad nearby and we eventually found Ket a Florentine leather bag on our way to our Tour of the Uffizi and Vasari Corridor. We had a very passionate and enthusiastic tour guide who educated us on the timeline of Art styles and we finally finished up after nearly 10 hours on our feet back on the Point Veccio bridge where we had started in the morning. Very hungry ipad and tripadvisor lead us to the second leg of our tour of ndian Restauraunts in Italy. A good curry and home to Hotel Bonnefacio where we don't even remember going to bed. What a great day.