We started the morning with freshly made breakfast. There was a coffee bar for guests to choose an espresso. I enjoyed the homemade yogurt, jam, croissants and eggs. There were so many wonderful choices available to choose from, something to suit everyone. Elowen spent some time getting to know the resident cats.
We were soon back on the bus heading for a tram into Florence (Firenze). We received our now familiar caution regarding pickpockets before boarding the tram. |
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." Eleanor Roosevelt
Biscotti recipe
100 g room temperature butter, no salt
400 g sugar
4 eggs
1 Tbsp baking power
600 g flour (farina)
5-600 g dried fruit and almonds
Mix until flour is incorporated. Form into 2 logs of matching heights on parchment paper
Add egg wash.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes
Cut with serrated bread knife while warm.
Bake additional 10 minutes on each side.
Time to leave Tuscany and head to Venice. There was an issue with the Vaperettos not running, so Jody had arranged for us to take water taxis into Venice from Tronchetto. Because of this adjustment, Jody revised her schedule, letting us sleep in a little.
When travelling by bus, we typically stop every two hours so that people can move around, visit restrooms and buy snacks. When possible, they pick a place of interest for the stop. My family had been concerned that the bus rides would be long and boring. They were not. Besides admiring the passing scenery, I worked on my travel journal or chatted with people. Elowen read and Jody taught her a game called, "my cows." Jason listened to music and painted watercolor images. Quinn read and listened to music. Tour members used the time to get to know each other or plan for their next location, sharing guidebooks and ideas. Jody was an excellent source of advice. |