Reflected chat

A good day, but a long one. Up before 4am, to get the early sparrows flight to AMS, and onwards to FLR. Both flights were a bit late - the first because it had to be de-iced (well, that couldn't have been anticipated, and as it was the first flight out of the day, you wonder why they could have de-iced it in time for an on time departure...) and the second because someone didn't turn up and they apparently had to take all the luggage out of the hold in order to locate just one bag.

As I drove into the city in the back of a taxi, I was madly checking the scores at the Australian Open, so I was delighted to see Mr Murray winning just at that moment. A quick pit stop in the hotel and then it was on the Number 7 bus in rather inclement weather, up to San Domenico to meet JT at the Badia for coffee. Also ran into RB in the cafe, which was nice, but he's not around for the rest of the weekend which is a shame.

Another hike through the rain - this time getting thoroughly wet - over to Villa La Fonte for a lecture and Q&A, followed by a reception in a room that was a bit too small for the size of the crowd. JD procured a taxi, so three of us headed back downtown leaving the chit chat behind, in my case just to skulk in the hotel, have a quick bite to eat, blip and now - soon - to take my rest to make up for last night.

Florence in the rain is not great. I was here once before when it rained non stop. Well it did stop eventually, and I guess the puddles were scenic.