Italy

Here we are over a week after my last post. Have had no internet service until now. Here is a brief snapshot of our past week:
Left Nice, France last Thursday 9/17. Let's just say the train system in Italy leaves a lot to be desired. We were supposed to leave at 10:15 but the train never showed up and thus began our 8 hour day of hopping off and on trains (which should have only taken about 3-4 hours). Reached Vernazza, Italy on the coast about 6pm - beautiful picturesque small town. Next day took a hike along the upper coast line between 2 towns - this town has more stairs than I've ever seen in one place in my life. Saturday we hopped the trains between all 5 towns - another crazy train experience but at least they were short distances. Had a lovely dinner in the town square sitting at outside tables.
Last Sunday Sept 20 we took the 3 hour train ride to Florence, Italy. Stayed at a Bed&Breakfast in an old building that had been remodeled and it was right next to the 700 year old Cathedral. Kristin climbed up the tower attached to the church - 400+ steps - I declined and waited. On Monday we toured on foot - the 'market' was especially interesting - esp. the indoor food market. The meat case is fascinating - no animal parts go to waste (even the pig's head was there).
Tuesday we caught train to Siena, Italy - got right on and all went well - things are looking up with our transportation! We even took a taxi from train station to hotel - we're getting smarter. I liked Siena better than Florence - not so overwhelming and more laid back. We had a lovely dinner at an outside restaurant and met a couple from Alberta Canada with whom we had a fun visit. Next day we walked back in to the center of town and went thru a restored church/hospital that was hundreds of years old. We kept walking down deeper underground - got kind of creepy because we were about the only people there. It was nice to see daylite again! Had decided earlier to go on a Tuscany wine tour at 2pm - turned out to be quite an adventure and lots of fun. The last winery all 20 of us sat at long tables and were given 3-4 generous wine samples. It turned in to a party....The host was about an 80 year old man who only spoke Italian and the winery had been in his family for a long time. He was quite a character. Kristin and I had a nice chat with a couple from Colorado. There are a LOT of American tourists in Italy.
Yesterday (Thursday) - 3 hour bus ride to Rome - the best transportation we had yet -a nice CLEAN (unlike the trains) bus with only 12 passengers. Arrived Rome 3pm - insane traffic. Caught a taxi to our hotel, got settled, then went walking and ended up at the Vatican and St. Peter's Square where we spent about 2 1/2 hours. Got right in as it was late in the day. It is difficult to describe in words St. Peter's Basilica - it's like nothing I've ever seen. The sculptures are magnificent. Today we went to The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and many other places. Had another very nice dinner at a lovely restaurant just down the street from our B&B - every restaurant has outdoor tables and seating and the weather is perfect for that. Need to get some sleep. Tomorrow we will attempt to see The Coliseum and more. Ciao!