We have had an absolute wonderful time. Arriving in Rome last Sunday feeling rested and ready to go - we left the Rome airport on bus for the train station - to get the fast train to Florence. To our dismay - when we arrived at the train station one piece of luggage was "lost". Which means - unlikely to be seen again. Luckily, sort of, it was the one piece of luggage we needed least - though it held some rather good clothes - since it was the luggage that kept our formal wear for the formal/dress nights on the cruise, and a spare pare of walking shoes for me - and I am not sure what else yet. We must push though - although it did put me in a bit of a tale spin for a short time dropping my spirits a bit. Seems like it gives us good opportunity to do some shopping - but at the price of things - and our need to stay thrifty by shopping at Goodwill - we are doubtful we will come across shopping opportunities that gives us that kind of thriftiness. (Unless of course Prada or Gucci have outlet stores - with emphasis on outlet).
We have enjoyed the window shopping both in Florence and Venice but have not found anything that we feel we should snap up for the cruise - so we will settle ourselves to no formal night(s) on cruise unless the miracle of located luggage occurs - however we then need to take time to try and find the but bus terminal that houses lost and found luggage in Rome AND make it to our ship on time all the while departing from Venice early enough on Friday. (sounds to me like luggage is lost - and one of my favorite dresses and Terry's fav jacket are no more in our wardrobes.)
Nuff on that - Travels with Terry through Florence and Venice have been an experience in its self. Terry's energy level is truly amazing. Amanda noted to me via text message that he is an older version of Lars - that is the truth for sure. When I am ready to drop at the end of the day - Terry just wants to keep wondering the wonderful streets and alleys - especially here in Venice. I had to put a stop to it tonight - cause I am exhausted after spending several hours in Doges Palace at St Marks. What an experience - the architecture, history and grandeur of it has left me a bit mind numbed - which I hope has not diminished my memory of sitting in St Marks Cathedral at the moment the turned the lights on to highlight the domes and art work. Exiting the Cathedral we were greeted with the calming effect of the setting sun along the canal.
Our accommodations through out this trip have been splendid. We truly thank God for His care and attention to us since we made no pre-planning but have found ourselves in small B&B's, country farm houses, Florentine and Venetian palaces (at least in our minds). Pics cannot do any of this justice - as do my word here - just have to take my word for it - we are feeling like we are traveling in style - while Terrys (and my) need to be frugal and economical wise is satisfied.
And then there is the food - no fancy dinner out yet - save that for the cruise, less a couple dress up nights - but we have savored terrific breads, tasty cheeses, greasy fish & chips and tonight pizza & calzones (while strolling through the streets and alleys I might add).
So, I must close now - tired and in need of satisfying my need to be prepared for tomorrow, and still check to be sure our timetable on Friday will get us to the ship on time.
Sorry - no pics - no time to download - will have to do another time.
