Tuesday 29 March

Today we left Florence after a wonderful visit. We enjoyed our last breakfast at the Florence Chic B and B which has been a good find. I had new muesli with yogurt, then a boiled egg, bread and jam, plus orange juice and coffee. Richard also had some cheese. We paid our tourist tax and handed in our door keys.

We walked along past the church of Santa Maria Novella, which we didn't have time to visit. Our train to Milan left the station at 10 am. We had reserved seats but not in the same row, but the train wasn't very crowded so we were able to sit together.

In Milan we had time to find a snack and drink to take on the next train. In Italian cafes they often have an annoying system whereby you pay first and collect your food or drink later. So we bought a sandwich each from a kiosk and also some water. Eventually the platform was announced for the Zurich train and we had seats opposite each other. But the train was full of very noisy people talking non-stop. I finished my Prima magazine and then read A Time of Mourning by Christobel Kent, a mystery set in Florence, on my Kindle. I think the author has lived in Florence for a long time.

We arrived in Zug a little late and just had time to rush to the nearby platform for the Thalwil train. The weather when we arrived was warmer than forecast. We went to Migros to buy food for the next few days, and chose fish. As always it was nice to be home, but catching up takes quite a while.

I imported all the photos from my camera and will sort them out and update this blog tomorrow. Have now done so. These pictures below are Richard's favourite from his phone:

Thursday 24 March, Maundy Thursday

Beside the River Arno with Ponte Vecchio in the background

We arrived in Florence after a six hour train journey via Milano. Firenze is sunny, cool in the shade and very busy. We are staying in a B and B in the city centre not far from the Duomo and the Uffizi. Going out soon to explore and find a wine bar.

We strolled round the city to Piazza della Senoria; we saw the Loggia with the sculptures of Perseus holding the head of Medusa and others, saw the impressive facade of Palazzo Vecchio, and walked past the Uffizi to the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio.

The Campanile and Duomo floodlit at night

Then we had a white wine in Caffe Strozzi before finding a great place for dinner, La Bussola. I had aubergine parmigiano and we shared roast lamb with potatoes and chard, finished off with chocolate torte. Plus a bottle of Chianti Reserva 2012. Delicious.

Then we strolled to the Duomo and went inside, where there was a silent procession of people dressed in black. It was part of the commemoration of Holy Week. Outside, we marvelled at Giotto's facade for the Campanile and the pink, green and white marble on the Duomo walls and the Baptistery.

Now quite tired. I am reading Death of an Englishman by Magdalen Nabb, set in Florence, probably in the 1970s.