We caught the bus to the airport, where I had a rental waiting at Hertz, but I never thought to check for locations in town, but we got there easily enough. There were 3 people at the Hertz desk, but they were all real slow. I literally spent less time buying my car than waiting in line for the rental.

I got a Fiat Panda, it is a cool little (and I do mean little) four-seater. I quickly learned to forget everything I know about safety and just drive like a Roman. Apparently, turn signals are totally optional, as well as riding in only one lane at a time.

Unfortunately, I didn’t account for the travel to the airport and wait time for the car, along with the three hour drive. We didn’t get to Florence (Firenze) until mid-afternoon. We checked into our room at a former convent (the Sette Santi, aka 7 Saints) and then headed down-town.

There really wasn’t much to Florence, other than a bunch of churches that were under reconstruction. The buildings were attractive, but too close together to get any photos.

The center of most towns in Europe are vehicle restricted, so we had to get the bus into town. We were able to get on the right bus to return, but it was heading the opposite direction, so we had to wait a few minutes at the end of the route while the driver took his smoke break. Then we rode right back to where we boarded. I don’t recommend it, but it is a good way to see the city.

Our room had a sink and shower stall in it, but no toilet.

Many of the communal toilets also have bidets, although these are not the bidets that look like toilets without seats, these are short bowls on the floor with a spout that comes out of the wall and sprays water downward, the opposite of the direction you would need to wash your nether regions. Mom and I have come to the conclusion that you would face the wall and splash water with your hand and wipe. So you end up with a wet butt and “dirty” hands.