We arrived in Rome on Sunday and took a taxi from the train station to our apartment. The taxi ride was interesting and, without having any idea where we were going, we just had to trust the driver would get us there safely! Fortunately he did and we were met and shown around the apartment we had booked by Alberto. We are in a neighbourhood area where the locals sit outside and play chess or drink coffee or wine. The weather has been reasonable, about 12 degree...

We are now in Florence and staying in an apartment right on the Arno next to the Ponte Vecchio. The photos on the website for the apartment did not lie. We look out our window and there is the bridge. Photo attached to this entry is from our dining room window! Unfortunately Matthew is not very well at the moment (although he is on the improve) but this has not stopped me from getting out and about. The city is easy to get around and not very busy at this time o...