Updates from Florence... Now Rome!

Greetings from Rome!

On Tuesday our coach rolled out of Nice and headed off to beautiful Italy. We passed Genoa and then stopped quickly in Pisa to see the leaning tower before arriving at our campsite in Firenze (Florence). After a quick dinner we headed into town to go to the Red Garter bar, the oldest American bar in the city which is also conveniently famous for its karaoke scene. Naturally, I was far too excited. I did my best John Anderson impression and broke out "Sweet Caroline" before making way for our coach driver, Cathal, and his remarkable rendition of "Sexy and I Know It."

Yesterday we had a full day in Florence. After breakfast we drove into the city and went to Leonardo Leather Factory for a really interesting demonstration. Erika got me a very stylish and snazzy leather wallet for my upcoming birthday. We then had some gelatto and went on a walking tour of the city, stopping at the central square, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, and finishing at the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's architectural marvel. After the formal tour, Erika and I continued exploring in the 98 degree weather.

We then headed back to the campsite to change for our evening activities. First, we went to a great restaurant for an authentic Tuscan dinner - bruschetta, pastas galore, pizza and tiramisu... and lots and lots of wine.

Next we walked (some stumbled) to Space Electronic Disco and went HAM - we had a fantastic time dancing and singing into the night with all of our friends from our coach, and also enjoyed poking fun at the 16 year olds on EF tours who are in a bar for the first time in their lives.

We woke up early this morning after far too little sleep and took down our campsites, had breakfast, and then loaded our things into the coach. After a relatively short 4 and a half hour drive we were at our campsite in even-warmer Rome. We set up camp in 100 degree heat and then drove into Rome around 4:30pm. After fighting through traffic and a protest march we arrived at the Coliseum. We headed from there across Piazza Venezia to the Trevi Fountain, then the Spanish Steps, and finished at the Pantheon. Then we stopped for dinner at a local restaurant before continuing to Piazza Navona and then back to our coach for the drive home. Our drive, Cathal, and some of the stronger and taller guys on the coach pulled a small miracle as we navigated the far-too narrow streets near our campsite. They actually lifted a poorly parked small car and moved it closer to the curb so that we could get through, as the rest of us on the coach and many local onlookers applauded.

We're now back at the campsite enjoying the first good wifi we've had all trip. Continue on for some picture updates of what we haven't been able to put up yet!

- Erika & Simon

The White Cliffs of Dover from our Ferry to Calais.