FLORENCE AND THE BUS MACHINE - MORE PIZZA THAN UFFIZI? 1976

[18 year old Jan is more impressed with the Italian pizzas than Old Masters - "such early stuff not that appealing" - but at least the dresses were lovely!  A taste of Florence nightlife at the Red Garter is rounded off with yet another spectacular downpour - the expensive beer may not have been flowing but the rain continued to do so.]

FRIDAY 1ST OCTOBER, 1976

"Cold shower.  Some were the worse for wear.  Into Florence to sightsee.  Queued for ages to cash cheque in bank.  Wandered towards river, looked round market, lots of lovely leather bags and pill boxes etc (Went with Janice, Ann and Mark).

Went into Uffizi gallery.  Nicely presented but such early stuff not that appealing; dresses in portraits lovely and views from windows of square and river/Ponte Vecchio.  Veranda on the top floor looks over the square.  Then went over Ponte Vecchio and found small pizza house over the other side - real Italian pizza!

Over another bridge and wandered towards Acadamie - tried to see around Modern Art Gallery - ancient lift deposited us at some doctor's appartment!  Eventually found gallery - closed!

Acadamie also closed by time arrived there (lovely little Italian gent directed us down unimposing street).  So wandered long way round to camp - lots of little side streets - all stops for siesta (although raining), lovely gardens with friends cat - only spoke Italian.  Crossed river again, walked along and up to camp.

Went into the Red Garter disco in evening - good crowd.  Band quite goo too, beer very expensive.  Bus left early so walked back with Mark.  Pam and Sue went off with an Aussie and Italian.

Incredible thunder storm - whole earth seemed to be shaking; thought we'd be struck with all the trees nearby!"