The “touring Gorrells” left Rome this morning on a fast train bound for Florence (Firenze). With the exception of some vineyards and ancient ruins that might have been castles, we could have been riding across fields in the midwestern U.S.

One and one-half hours after leaving Rome, we arrived in Florence and checked into the Relais II Campanile B&B.

Thus far, we’ve been pleased with the B&B accommodations. The Rome B&B had private balconies, but the bath towels were a waffle-weave type of cloth – almost like trying to dry off with a sheet or pillowcase. Today, we were pleased to find “real” towels at Campanile as well as small refrigerators in our rooms.

The downside is that these B&Bs are in ancient buildings and are usually up two or three flights of stairs. If you don’t speak or understand Italian – there’s no need to turn on the TV (about a 12” or 13” screen). But even these ancient buildings (early 1700s) have upgraded and have WiFi!!

Breakfast consists of coffee or tea, juice, croissants or rolls and jelly, cheese, and chocolate (to spread on the roll).

We’ve also learned that we must ask for ice with our drinks – and usually, one glass of ice is delivered to be shared among several glasses.

Different worlds and different cultures but the people are all the same everywhere – smile and the world will smile back (usually).