Rain. We had a few more little villages that we wanted to visit but we knew we wouldn't enjoy them in the rain, so we had a family discussion and settled on Florence as our destination with the hope that the rain would let up 50 km away.

It didn't. We got to Florence in the pouring rain with no indication of a break in the weather. We drove around for a while until we got to a viewpoint over the city, but the rain and fog shrouding the great view sent us driving once more. We headed to the Tourist Information Centre located in the old part of town. At the centre, Barry mentioned that he was parked one street over, and was told that we weren't even allowed in the old town. Apparently, they photograph offenders as they enter. Eek!

So, off we went to park legally. This is not as easy as it seems. We eventually found a parking spot, but were unsure if we were allowed to park there. So we acted Italian, parked anyway, and walked away, pretending we knew exactly what we were doing.

The continuing rain drove us into a nearby souvenir shop where we broke down and finally bought two umbrellas for five euros each. They were much nicer than the identical ones we saw moments later, being sold by various street vendors for two euros each. Eek again!

The next order of business was finding Michelangelo's David in the Academia. No problem - we found the Academia, joined the lineup, and waited. No movement. So, we waited. No movement. Barry inquired when we'd be let in only to be told by an attendant with a sheepish shrug that it could be another "5 minutes". (We'd heard that fifteen minutes earlier). Given that our wait time was uncertain and that it would cost forty euros for entrance for the family anyway, we did the only other Italian thing we could think of - shrugged and left.

By luck, we passed an internet place which was attached to a book store. We enjoyed checking out the books and even bought a few. Then, an amazing thing happened as we left. The sun not only broke through but, within 10 minutes, the entire sky was blue. Florence was ever so much nicer in sunshine.

After that, we quickly checked out Piazza della Signoria Square, the Ponte Veccchio and made a return trip to the viewpoint we had originally stopped at - the Piazelle Michelangelo. We wish we could say we got some great buys on leather, gold, and shoes, but we continue to be travellers first; so, we could only gaze at the famous name brands and wish.

At around 5:00 p.m., we headed for home, stopping in Siena once more and enjoying an evening walk.