Headed off this morning for a quick walk north of the hotel. We walked to Palazzo Margherita where there were some very beautiful buildings, including some housing the major 5 star hotels and the American Embassy (the latter with the usual hoards of security guards checking under cars etc).

We walked up until we hit the old roman wall, complete with arches, then across to the Quirinale and the tourist-dense Trevi fountain area . More coffee and croissant standing up at a bar, before bidding the Hotel Masgani goodbye, and heading to the train for our 1.5 hour journey to Florence.

Francesco was waiting for us at our apartment and he hared up the 4 flights of stairs with our suitcases in hand. No puffing for him! And good to say that my walking up the 5 flights of stairs at work paid off, as the stairs seemed relatively easy! And the apartment is just as great as we remembered it. Terracotta floors, lots of windows overlooking the roof tops of Florence, big verandah outside.... Though we were slightly disconcerted to find the small road outside under repair with jackhammers going, Francesco assured us that the works are just about finished (thank goodness!). I'm not sure I would have liked sitting on our verandah gazing at the view to the tune of sledgehammers florence style!

Had a picnic style dinner - cheese, olives and wine! Great start to the holiday!