Rest at Scandicci

There will be no photos for awhile, but I will attempt to update all regarding our continued adventures. My last entry occurred on Wednesday. Thursday was the last day of finals and everyone was trying to fit in any last minute shopping, site seeing, etc. Keri, Ian and I continued with the remainder of the bus tour. As I said before, we should have done that the first week, but at least we got it in. I had to rush back to give some independent study exams (received from the professors in Searcy late Wednesday night). Thursday night, we went to Ye Ole Cheshire Cheese for our final group meal. I chose this place because it is so old and has hosted Dickens, Mark Twain, Samuel Johnson (of dictionary fame) and almost every other English writer and personality. It too is a must if you are visiting London.

Friday was a day for packing, last minute errands, storing luggage and saying goodbye. There was a strike in Italy which interfered with some students flights but they were assured that they would get out on Saturday. The Harding Office (where we were to store luggage) starting leaking. Actually, pouring would be a better description. We had to store about 20 suitcases in there so we arranged them so they would not get wet. Florida State cut off our swipe cards at 11:30 Friday night making it impossible to get in (or out) of the buildings so I had to wait until someone was coming in to get out to go to the office. We worked it out, but it was inconvenient.

Saturday, we headed to the airport to catch the Gatwick Express. An EasyJet flight to Pisa with Ian at a window seat was our undramatic exit to England. We caught a bus to see the leaning tower in Pisa because that was high on the list of Ian (I cannot find the apostrophe on this Italian keyboard). Then back to the airport for supper and a bus to Florence. A taxi from Florence to the Villa where Mona and Kyle were waiting and then to Scandicci for pizza.

Yesterday began with a trip to the bar (for coffee and pastry and coffee). Robbie conducted the service at the Florence church followed by a potluck. A walking tour for last minute shopping for the Bartees and Lamberts and then out to Robbie and Mona's wonderful new place out in Tuscany for a dinner with many old friends. It was a wonderful day. I am especially enjoying the peace and quiet at the Villa. I really needed to be someplace calm after the frantic pace of London.

One comment and then I will end this never-ending story. The crowds near the Duomo were as great as those on Oxford street, but everyone continued moving. The difference is that each direction had a side and everyone moved forward. London sidewalks are simply chaos.