Up this morning in Lucca, breakfast at the hotel and then went to the front desk to check out. The two lovely gentlemen who run the hotel had our bill ready for us, and a warm 'goodbye', and a bottle of wine for our journey. That was so special, so kind, and so unexpected that it really touched both Jan and I. Jan has included the photo that I took of them as we left. If you are ever in Lucca, look up the Stipino Hotel and stay a night or so. You won't be sorry you did. They were unfailingly kind and courteous and helpful, as well as keeping our car safe while we were larking about in Firenze and Roma. Very special people.
An amazingly uneventful driving trip today. Made it all the way to Padova, well past Bolognia which was our initial destination. Bright sunny day, roof window open all the way, shirtsleeve weather in the gas stops along the freeway.
Went the toll road the whole way. It was only fifteen Euro and change, but the road was in excellent condition and predictably fast the whole way. Only two, countem two, trucks the whole day. Guess Sunday is their day off.
We got here at 1:00pm and Jan started working on selecting the pictures from Rome, a big job. Tried the internet here but having trouble, so you may not see these notes for a day or so yet. We'll get them out as soon as possible.
We are going to stay here a couple of days, then go by train to Venice. We've been warned against taking the car for the usual reasons, traffic and parking. It will be safe here in the parking lot while we are gone on day trips.
While on the road today we heard from Tara and Leanne, as today is Mother's Day in the UK. It was so thoughtful of them to call, Jan was delighted as was I. We miss them, and any contact, any time, makes our day.
We heard from Shane and Sonja this evening, how special. They are just back at the farm after a long trip through South America including Machu Pichu (did I get that spelling right?), and a super long flight home with more connections and more airport waiting than they needed or wanted. All's well that ends well, and that's what matters. So welcome home Shane and Sonja.
