Can you let us know the name of the cafe on the Mercato San Ambrogio?>>

I didn't remember its having a name, and I don't remember the glass surround either! [are we talking about the same place???] anyway you don't need a name for it as you aren't going to be reserving a table - it's a strictly turn up and sit down where you can/queue until there's a space sort of place.

Travel smith has several very lightweight rain jackets and coats.

Ann, I think it is the same one, there only seems to be one that is actually within the market. You can see some pictures of it on Trip Advisor.
It's not totally glass but has a lot of glass and sort of looks like a diner or a tram car. (just the shape I mean)

thanks for the TA suggestion, rcg. tt is the same one [I recognised the interior with those tables] but when I was there a few years ago it wasn't as enclosed as it now seems to be - the upper parts of the surroundings are new I think. I remember a waist high divider round it, but nothing higher than that.

however, what ever the sides were like, the food was excellent and very good value. [though nothing will induce me to try tripe salad again!]

I think you were very brave to try tripe salad once Ann!
The tripe stand near the market was part of my tour but no tripe crossed my lips...I was happy to just take a photo of it.

The weather forecast is interesting! It appears that this time Seattle wins as for the drier weather...still keeping my fingers crossed.

Living in Seattle, I have too many light weight rain coats. As for shoes, I will take my asics with me, sandals for the hopefully dry days and will also check out Nike fly knit that you suggested...

Thank you very much

rcg & annhig, you must both be speaking of Trattoria Rocco, shown in this video on Elizabeth Minchilli's blog:

http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome....ogio-florence/

Yes that's it Leely, great video, thanks!

In my experience, cloth sneakers dry out faster than leather ones, and leather sometimes gets permanently damaged when it gets soaked.

I don't buy any special travel clothing. It's overpriced and usually dowdy to boot. I have two rain jackets that fold into their own zipped pockets that I bought at our local sporting goods store. One is lighter weight than the other, and I take one of them on any trip where I might encounter wet weather.

In the summer, I always take a lightweight cardigan sweater, either cotton or wool, depending on the forecast. In spring and autumn, I would probably take one of each. Evening and early morning temperatures in a Tuscan hill town can be chilly at any time of year.

I wouldn't waste precious time looking for an ATM that saves me a piddling 3% currency conversion fee, or even a flat €3 foreign withdrawal fee. That's less than the unnecessary tips that so many people insist on leaving in Italian restaurants.

rcg & annhig, you must both be speaking of Trattoria Rocco, shown in this video on Elizabeth Minchilli's blog:>>

Now I understand why the pictures of the restaurant look so different; the surrounds and divisions between the tables weren't there when we visited and had lunch.

rcg - I've tried it twice! once in Florence in the salad, and another time in Rome in trippa alla Romana just in case I preferred it hot rather than cold.

I can tell you that I dislike it, whatever temperature it's served at.

Ah! I imagine you've never had trippa alla marchigiana! That's really delicious, cooked slowly with kidney beans and tomatoes, with a bit of onion.

I've never had tripe in a restaurant in Italy, though. Most people around here don't trust it unless they personally know the person who's cooking it. We have a good friend who makes it once or twice a year, and invites us to share it.

In Philadelphia, near where I grew up, there's a local specialty called Pepper Pot, which is a thick vegetable stew with tripe and lots of pepper. That's certainly good!

Well I grew up eating all kinds of weird stuff as my parents liked organ meats and Dad was a hunter so I probably ate it when I was a child. But I don't eat most meat anymore and the thought of organ meats just makes me squeamish now.

I've never had tripe in a restaurant in Italy, though. Most people around here don't trust it unless they personally know the person who's cooking it. We have a good friend who makes it once or twice a year, and invites us to share it. >>

well, it's all round to yours then, bvl. you get your friend to come and cook, I'll bring the wine.

She'd be sure to welcome you, Ann!

We have lightweight jackets that pack into its own pocket from the Izod outlet. It also doubles as just a lightweight jacket for dry days, too.

one day, perhaps, bvl!

Yes, looks like I will be facing some major weather changes for sure; it will be raining. I picked up a very light raincoat, I have ones with extra lining but thought I would not need it. I have picked up an umbrella, asics, sandals for the hopefully dry days and both long sleeve and short sleeve dresses. Anything else? Thank you very muvh

Everything has been very nice so far! I have a question in regards to tax refund. My flight leaves 6:30am from Florence so the global exchange will be closed. I was thinking of doing it during my connecting flight in Amsterdam but I was told that I have to show them the actual item in order for them to give me the money. I am checking them in a suitcase so I won't have them with me in Amsterdam. Any suggestions appreciated!?

You need the official stamp on the paperwork, have you actually checked that this office will be closed?
Did you get all the paperwork from the store/s you purchased from? And have you filled in all the pertinent details, your passport number etc?
Make sure all is in order before you do this as I witnessed a man who was totally disorganized, not only did he hold up the whole line, the official was cheesed off and he was a complete ass about it, loudly complaining to all and sundry which did nothing to help with the official's mood.

I just did this when I left Florence end of March. In the Florence airport as you enter go straight along, there are some signs for it, I believe it will be on your left. I went there before I checked in, in case they asked to see the items. (they didn't) There is an official there to look over the paperwork and stamp it, then next to it is a Global Blue office, you go there, ( they are really just two booths side by side) they do their bit and then there is a box you drop it into to or they might say they will send it for you.

It took five weeks this time to see the refund on my credit card and yes, it was well worth it. You have to do it at the airport if you want the return credited to your card.

However, if you want a cash refund (it will be given only in your own currency) there is a Global Blue office near the Ponte Vecchio on the centro storico side of the river. I went there for a couple of the smaller refunds, but you still have to take that paperwork to the airport to be stamped by the government official. If you don't get the official stamp Global Blue will submit a charge on your credit card to recover the refund they gave you.

Hope this helps.

Yes, there is a global blue next to ponte vechio and also here in Siena. They were about to give me cash but then they said I have to take it to the costumes in the airport to stamp it and mail it out. They were not sure if costumes had to see the items but they thought most likely they would! That is the part I do not know. Global blue is closed until 6 am at the airport.

I have all the paperwork filled in with my passport number. So now what's the best way to do this considering my flight leaves at 6:30 am? Can I do it in Amaterdam?