Mediterranean Adventure

Good Morning!

The weather has greatly changed overnight. We are Rome bound on the Express Train and as always, was an interesting adventure loading the train with all 12 bags + Alyssa. A very nice Italian Gentleman switched seats with us so the five of us could sit together.

It's quite warm but rainy. Looks like we're expecting up to 2-inches of rain so we'll probably just hangout in the hotel and see if my friend Lindy calls later for dinner.

Dinner was very good last night. Even Chinese food tastes better in Florence!

We had to exchange some Dollars yesterday into Euros. We got a better rate than we had anticipated, so we were quite pleased.

Yesterday, in San Gimignano, Jared and I experienced a first: I was kicked out of a Butcher Shop for having long hair and I wasn't even near the food! We didn't argue, we just left.

Also, we visited Tenuta Torciano a vineyard where we had a very nice lunch and tasting. It was very cool to learn how to properly hold, swirl, and appreciate wines. Jared and I not only bought award winning reds and whites, but the most incredible truffle oil and balsamic vinegar ever created. What a wonderful experience and memory!!

Lastly, I conquered a fear of mine - heights. Jared, Alyssa, and I climbed to the top of this tall midevil bell tower. WHY, I will never know, but I was rewarded with amazing photos of the Tuscan Countryside that I will try and post tonight. (Climbing down an old, rickety ladder did not impress me much, but the photos are amazing.)

That pretty much wraps up yesterday. I am going to work on the photos now.

Have a good day!!
Cherrel.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T