I sketched a picture of Enzo. I'm a little behind in writing. The day I didn't finish writing we swam in the Mediterranean. Women without tops and guys in speedos. At first it was so weird, but we adjusted okay I think. This was in Cannes, France. I liked Paris better, though Cannes is supposed to be such a ritzy place.

The next day we were in beautiful Florence. Horses and carriages, buildings from the middle ages, cobble streets, riso (rice) gelati... In Firenze we watched a demonstration on leather making. Lorenzo the authentic Florentine showed us. Everyone wanted to bring HIM home as a souvenier.

The last night in Firenze, Jen, Jake and I walked to see the synagogue. It was beautiful but I couldn't help but notice there were no star of davids or anything (besides the inconspicuous sign) showing it was a synagogue. I think I can guess why.

There really ARE lots of clotheslines out the windows and people DO just drop bags of trash out on their little curbs. We used a clothesline too.

The first night, Me, Jen, Elise, Christine, Diana and Sarah were exploring and decided to go to some Goth club. Sarah and Diana were especially eager to go and were wearing clothes that attracted the Florentine men. (Which is easy to do.) A swarm of about twenty or more surrounded us, howling and gawking and touching our shoulders. They would not leave. I was so worried about Sarah and Diana in particular. Eventually we escaped and they went to the club.

I found talented artists chalking the streets with classical art. There are cops everywhere. We went to the Duomo which was right across the street from the hotel and had very loud bells which sounded at random times. I thought they were beautiful but some thought it annoying.

Artists try to sketch you by saying "BELLA! BELLA!" at you. They aren't as pushy as the French, surprizingly. I think the French were better looking. Buildings and vegetation are more beautiful here though.

Enzo saw my sketch of him. He smiled and everyone laughed.

departure - arrival