Remember, if one of your days in a Monday, just about all museums will be closed. Plan accordingly.

Re Florence, I want to second John's recommendation of the Fra Angelico museum. Unforgettable is exactly the right word--my visit there early in the morning before it was filled with people remains one of the most beautiful and moving experiences of my life. It is truly an extraordinary place.

Hey Gina! <BR> <BR>How are your hotel plans coming out. How would they feel about you staying in the Shelley suite for one night & then moving downstairs?... <BR> <BR>anyway, re: Tunisia, I don't know if you are even SLIGHTLY interested in this, but, the English patient was also filmed there. There are many scenes in Tunis, and I did a search y'day re: the Cave of Swimmers (near Gilf Kebir I think)... I did find out that cave is in Egypt. that would have been kinda interesting though. I'll find the site again if you are interested (the English Patient was one of my favorite movies - makes you want to be a TIME traveler as well as a regular traveler...) <BR> <BR>see you Sunday! <BR>

Gina, <BR> <BR>Although you could definately spend your entire time most happily in Rome, here is a suggestion for going to Florence which addresses the time wasted in packing and unpacking - Go there and back in the same day. Will you see everything? No. Will it be a better use of your time compared with spending the night. Definately. <BR> <BR>This would not be at all difficult. There are Eurostar trains that leave Rome at 7:00, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 every morning. The non-stop trip is only 95 min., and it is very relaxing. Choose 2 or 3 things that you really want to see before you go. As everything is within walking distance, this should not be a problem. After dinner you can catch a train back to Rome at 8:59 or 9:55. <BR> <BR>I used to spend a full day like this in Florence when I lived in Italy and it was very enjoyable. It's a nice break from the big city, and will give you a taste for future trips to come. Have fun!

Russ, that's a terrific idea, and very tempting. I may try it; it's nice to know that I *can* do it if I decide to on the spur of the moment. Thanks! And thanks for the ideas, Beth!