Italy

Dear All
Well the end of the trip is nearly here and we,ve had a wonderful time. We are staying on at the Villa tonight then go by train down to Rome tomorrow morning. That way, there,s not a last minute rush to get to the airport on time as we,ll already be in Rome.
Fantastic time, fantastic scenary and a wonderful crew to holiday with.
So will see you all after next Thursday.
I,ll keep checking the blog and emails just in case.
Ciao Ciao
Bee and Ron

Dear All
We went back to Florence yesterday mainly to see the "real" David at the Academia. Simply awesome is the only word I could use to describe the sculpture and it stands 4.1 metres tall. It took Michelangelo 3 years to sculpt and the work and detail is simply stunning.
After that we split off from the rest of the group and wandered around the sights and sounds of Florence, looking at all the pretty baubles in the windows of the Jewellers at the Ponta Vecchio (hideously overpriced) and leather merchants. The leather jackets are so soft and not necessarily all that expensive.
Even though we took it fairly easy, it might not have been easy enough as I became rather ill that night. If anything, I think it was my body telling me "enough", so we are both having an easy day back at the Villa whilst all the rest of the crew have gone to Assisi.
Friday is an easy day at home as well packing bags and last minute preparations for our departure early Saturday morning for Rome.
Take care all.

Ciao Ciao

Bee and Ron

Dear All
Went to Montepulcino today which was built in Etruscan times and pre dates the Romans. Apparently it was built around 500BC and a lot of it is still standing as is today. We also had a look at the local church called San Biangio which was built in the 1450,s. Beautiful architecture and paintings. We had a picnic right next to the Church.

We also went to a town called Pirenze was was the family home of Pope Pius 11. Sights sounds all terrific. Bought a few little trinkets.

Anyway, this 16th century computer is so slow and keeps on dropping out so I,m going to close off for now.

Ciao Ciao

Bee and Ron

Dear All
Had a wonderful start to the day. Got a beautiful gold chain bracelet for my birthday from Ron. It is truly stunning and I love it. All the fellow travellers wished me a happy birthday and they all continued to make my day just that little bit special.
Went to Firenze and looked at the frescoes in the Carmine Vecchio. These were all painted around the 15th century and provided a bit of a "map" as to how the methods of painting changed over a period of about 150 years and the beginning of the Renaissance. Also went to Piazza San Giovanni were a copy of David is along with numerous other sculptures. Some beautiful, some gruesome.
Walked along to the Ponto Vechio and did a heap of window shopping. Everything there was about triple the price of goods a few streets away but just had to do the touristy thing and be there.
Had a wonderful evening. All the crew finished off the day with lots of good wishes for my birthday. Really fantastic.

Catcha all later. We,ll be home soon and I must say, I,m beginning to think it,s almost time to come home too. Nothing like home.

Ciao Ciao

Bee and Ron

Dear All. We were up early today and went to the Ferrari Factory in Maranello. When we got there a guy began trying to smooth talk us into having a drive or a ride in a ferrari. I must say he really had to do a lot of smooth talking but eventually, lilke about 1 nanosecond, I have the visa card out quivering in my hand just waiting to be run through that machine and relieve me of more Euros. If I had my drivers licence with me, I could have had a drive of a Ferrari, instead I had to settle for a ride. I have the DVD to prove it too along with the T shirt.

Last night we had the big banquet at the Villa. Each year the banquet is one of those special occasions held at the Villa and we all had to dress up in our finest. Wonderful meal, wonderful company and I think the last of them were still partying on at about 02.00. Note- I was not one of the partying people. I was probably one of the first to bed.

Today it is an easy day with not much happening. We are staying at the Villa. Might wander down to the little town later on but that,s about the extent of it.

Take care all.

Ciao Ciao

Bee and Ron