05/27/2009

Two more days. I sometimes think I could stay here forever; then in the next minute, I'm ready to get back home. Haveen't started packing yet...I need to get two new suitcases, first! (My carry on bag has died and needs replacing; and I need a second bag to check because of all my souvenirs!)

Today and tomorrow, we go back to Firenze (Florence). Interestingly, during the reign of the Medici family, there was a "power struggle" between 3 of the city states: Florence (Firenze), Pisa and Siena. Both Pisa and Siena "won a battle but lost the war" and Firenze became the seat of power. That being said, I wonder who really lost and won... because now Firenze is struggling, while Pisa (a major tourist attraction), and Siena (the commerce capitol) have much stronger economies!

Today in Firenze, we will see The Uffizi (another art museum) andgo to a day treatment (mental health) center and tomorrow, we hear a judge talk about juveniles in the Italian court system. Will have 5 hours free time in Firenze tomorrow, so it's the last chance to pick up the last few souvenirs. I think this will be my last blog, unless I do one tonight, because tomorrow, we'll get home and pack, then Friday am we get on the bus at 4am (UGH!) to head back to the Rome airport.

I've taken lots of pics, but haven't figured out how to attach the file to my blog... so I guess I'll put them on our facebook page (italy institute 2009).

Arriverderci, Lynn