The stuff you thought you would only ever dream about....

POSTED BY STEPHEN





May 8- Florence


Via a private bus, we arrived in Florence, Italy. Equally beautiful, immediately unique and wonderful, this is the third stop on our GSE journey.





We were warmly received for lunch at the gorgeous Villa Viviani by members of the R.C. of Firenze. The Villa Viviani was rented in 1882 by Mark Twain! The luncheon was splendid. I enjoyed meeting this group of friendly Rotarians. The welcome was lovely. I am embarrassed to admit that I completely neglected to take any pictures. I was enthralled with the company and the enchanting location.

Later in the afternoon, Guilio, Marinella, and Thomas Todescan took us on a tour of some of the highlights of Florence. When we stopped off at Greve in Chianti, there was an outdoor flower market lining the piazza. It was a splendid treat adding even more color to this beautiful and historic location.

We also visited The Basilica of San Miniato Al Monte. What an amazing view of Florence!

Posing with our lovely host and brilliant guide Marinella.

Morgan and Suzy leaving the Basilica.

The day was outstanding. The entire team enjoyed our time with the Todescan Family. They shared so much insight to the area. To our benefit, their son Thomas was in town and joined us as well. It was really splendid.

Later in the evening, four of us were welcomed to set up a temporary residence in the estate of Michelangelo De Faveri Tron (Micel). The hospitality we have enjoyed today has been incredible. We had a perfect dinner at Micel's home. The Todescan family joined us as well.

I really enjoyed seeing each member of the team have so many interesting and exciting conversations. We learned so much, met some amazing people, and had a great time. I again failed with the camera. I will try to balance this better tomorrow. We are visiting the Uffizi Gallery!

Funny story:

Marinella kindly encouaged Susan and I to close our eyes for a few minutes on one of the short trips between stops today. I was sort of drifting off and all of a sudden, I started to hear wine being poured! I could see it in mind! I opened my eyes and realized I had been somewhat dreaming. My mind had distorted the sound of the turn signal into the glug glug of wine pouring from a bottel. The wine in Italy is so good I am dreaming about it!!

Well, to bed for me or I will be imagining even crazier things tomorrow. I will certianly be scolded for my late night posting but I just could not chance it.... I have to capture the core of these wonderful memories we are making! My motto is becoming "I will sleep when I am back in the States!"