DATE: Monday 17 July, 1995
PLACE: Florence
WEATHER: Hot - I'm getting tired of this!
REMARKS: Today is 'departure day', so it's all go to get
dressed, fed, etc. I had a restless night and am first up,
before 0700. I have to get to the Amex office to collect the
new card(s) & cash travelers cheques so we can pay the
bill.
So the first order of business is to leave Desiree to pack,
and set off on foot. I find the Duomo without problem, but
the maze of alleyways, lanes, and piazzas soon defeat me.
It takes about 20 minutes before the office is found.
Evidently a busy weekend for pick-pockets.
There is quite a queue. And then: my card would have been
OK -only Desiree's needed stopping; however, the stop has
actually been put on the other way around; and my replacement
details are there, but Desiree's not!
After sorting that out, and getting instructions from Rome
to replace Desiree's card, and getting cash, it is well after
1000 before I get away. Again I have difficulty retracing
my steps, and get lost. It is 1100 by the time I get hack
to the Hotel Patrizia. We visit a men's clothing shop just
around the corner, only to be taken to a storeroom just across
from the hotel where a linen suit and cotton shirt are bought
in no time at all. 282 000 lire for the suit (probably last
season's but light weight linen).
Next job: Santa Crocce to buy leather. We find the chosen
shop, then it's handbags, wallets, etc. left, right and centre.
Once selections are made we need the shop-owner to complete
tax-free shopping forms, but he's at the bank. We hang about
for about 40 minutes (during which our selections are returned
to the shelves! but we get them back!) until he gets back.
Formalities completed we're on our way - at last!!
The autostrada is different this time - narrower, through
hilly terrain, with lots of tunnels and bridges. Rain adds
to the difficulties.
Driving actually feels very safe and predictable, just fast.
It's an odd feeling to zip past BMWs and Alpha Romeo's at
150+ kph.
We are heading for Jesolo (after a deal of confusion over
how to spell & pronounce the name) which is a beach resort
north of Venice.
We eventually find one room in a nice hotel, unload (partially)
and head for the beach (at about 1800).
The kids are delighted. The beach is horrible, but the kids
happy.
Dinner alfresco, then a promenade through a town devoted
to relieving wealthy holidaymakers, especially Germans, of
their currency. Everyone, it seems, spends the evenings dining,
strolling and shopping.
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