Firenze!

Firenze...Renaissance...Michaelangelo (So sure I probably spelled that wrong!)...pasta, gelato, Ponte Vecchio (The only bridge in Florence to survive WW2!) and shopping. As I sit at the hotel and my parents nap I finally have a chance to write. I'll have to update on the wonderful group of riders from last week (quite the experience!) at the end of these two weeks, but for now a wonderful adventure is about to begin. Here in Florence there is leather goods galore and street vendors on every block. The problem with being locked up away in a Tuscan farm is that you forget that a whole other world exists. For the next two weeks, it is my joy to be able to rediscover my sense of adventure and wonder in the world as I embark on an adventure in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, as I get to experience brats, beer, yodeling, hiking, chocolate and castles, and as I get to have more Tracie lessons (such as dresses on a windy evening can lead to many undesired Marilyn Monroe moments)!!

So...with that in mind, today is only day two of my big European adventure. In these two days I have rediscovered the glory of a clean bathroom floor, clean bed sheets, and the glory of no bugs in your ears...that my parents are not a figment of my imagination, grilled vegetables are the best invention EVER, I still have an amazing ability to slur my words when I get excited, and my version of a short cut is usually the longest route imaginable. I am finding shopping a great way to spend my time (cute handmade earrings, and silk scarves...who can pass them up?). But even more then the shops of treasures I can not afford, I have enjoyed meandering the streets, museums and Churches. It fascinates me to sit in a pew and think of all the people from nearly 700 years and before that have been there before me. The art, the history, the holy and quiet places to reflect are all part of the magic I love about Italy.

Last night I had the blessing to wander the streets at night with my parents and Claire. I got girlified for the first time since Rome and loved walking the streets feeling human and feminine! After dinner and gelato, when my parents left, Claire and I wandered near the bridge and came across an amazing singer who was rocking out on his guitar just outside the Uffizi Museum. He was playing songs from Led Zepplin, U2, the Beatles and some of his own music. As I sat and listened, staring at the tower looming above my head, staring at the stars, watching the people around me and listening, I experienced a "pinch me" moment. I thought of all my friends and family in the States and made a note of the moment so that they could also experience such a peaceful evening in the middle of the busy lifestyle of Americans.

For the next two weeks, even though I will be traveling with parents, aunts, and uncles and the like...I am away from people my age, from Claire, from friends at home. I am resuming travel according to Tracie...which basically means getting lost, causing trouble, being ridiculous and silly, making mistakes, meeting people and having the adventure of a lifetime! Lets just hope after a few weeks of travel I return to work and the US! So far I LOVE LOVE LOVE Europe!

Thank you to all who actually take the time to read my thoughts and stories and never stop supporting me! All my love,

Tracie

Lessons of the week:
In the dead heat of summer there will only be a breeze when you wear a dress
Italian waiters are CUTE!
I still can not read a map well and will most likely take the longest route possible to any destination
Chacos are more comfortable then flip flops
Eat more gelato!
Calamari is actually delicious when cooked right! (Like in Pesto Linguini!)
And many more that I can not remember right now :)