Firenze

So, it is cold. It is not as cold as London was last year, bot it is cold. I think we Floridians are so weak sometimes. I think this when I see Florentines sitting at outdoor cares without a mere shiver.
Yogurt with granola...not the sweet American kind. Croissants...hearty, not sweet and buttery. Cereal,fruit,muffins, cheeses.....these make up a typical hearty Florentine breakfast. we had breakfast overlooking the garden where young Michelangelo once practiced sculpting.
Our morning walk began with a trip to the Duomo.....the grand church in Florence. The building and it's baptistry building rise up from the square...the piazza. The kids commented that it seemed like a giant movie set. In green and white marble, it was a fitting comment. We saw Cardinals arriving for their morning mass. speakers were set so the crowd could participate.
We enjoyed the life sized full nativity and special guest choirs.
The weather was misty, rainy and gypsies appeared from nowhere to sell umbrellas. The guys were great lookouts and protected the rest of us from having pockets picked!
We learned how to use our card to get into the bank and access fund via an ATM wand understood exchange rates better afterward.
The San Lorenz leather market was fun and bartering a was a game. And of course, some made great deals!
We had an amazing lunch in an authentic restaurant and visited the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's DAVID. Speechless is a good word for the experience. The special exhibit on Renaissance musical instruments was quite interesting as well. We saw some timpani that Miss Wick would not want.
It grew colder as we walked to the Ponte Vecchio bridge crossing the Arno River. Some of our students are remarkable Photographers!
In learning about the Medici's we also learned that you can leave something wonderful for mankind, yet not be so "swell" yourself and that Christ is what makes the difference
FIRENZE (Florence, in Italian).....one of the great cities that contributed to life as We know it today. May we remember our time here and strive to learn more.

Creative problem solving

This post will be short, but for those who know me,you will see answers to your prayers on my behalf....and find humor too.
Frankfurt airport. I raved about TSA too soon. Last night when I desperately needed sleep, I found that TSA had damaged the seal on my CPAP machine. My precious roomie needed earplugs for sure! MI decided not to fret but to just trust God for a resolution...and good sleep on my part, for Becky's sake.
While packing tonight I discovered an item I love dearly and never travel without......DUCT TAPE. I think that Duct Tape provides creative solutions for almost anything. Air leak is now sealed up and we are so happy!
yes, I know you are laughing! (with me)