Sorrento to Florence

Wednesday 1st June

Early start today from Sorrento up at 6am and on the road at 7.30am. A drive back down the steep narrow winding road along the coast the views are just spectacular although it was very cloudy and overcast this morning. Once on the Motorway we had some heavy rain and the temperature dropped. Roadside stop Autogrill for morning tea - what an experience that is order and pay for your food and coffee and then line up again to get your coffee. This means you first need to sort out what you want to order what it is called and how to make yourself understood. Most of the staff do speak some English so that is a big advantage. Ordered the wrong coffee this time and got very strong almost black coffee, I think they just waved the milk past the cup.The Italians like to stand and drink their coffee, unlike us we like to sit and enjoy the experience. 2nd Stop today for lunch also at an Autogrill this time built above the motorway with entrances from either side. You had to make sure you got out of the right side. They all have an entry in one spot and exit out another door, after you have walked all around the store which is like a mini supermarket with every thing from fast food, drink, wine, cheese,biscuits toys and lollies. They have Solar panels as the shelters for the cars, what a great idea!
Florence about 3pm this afternoon some free time then a guided walking tour with a local guide. once again the size, architecture and construction of the buildings is amazing. The Ponte Vecchio (bridge) over the Arno River very beautiful!. A pleasant walk back to the bus along the river. A Short drive to the Hotel arriving about 7pm and dinner here at the hotel at 7.30pm. Back in the room catching up with work and diaries. Hoping for an earlier night tonight to catch up on some sleep.

Have managed to get up to date with the posts sorry for so many at once, but time and internet acess has been a bit challenging to do this each day as I had originally planned. We are certainly being kept busy that's for sure. So much to see and do each day is differant. Tomorrow we head to France and tomorrow night we will be out in Monte Carlo! We are having a great time and I seem to have recovered quickly from the bus lurgy! Which is great news. So much for the early night. Must sign off and get some sleep!

Love to you all
Debbie & Peter