Aimless Tours has almost completed our first full day in Florence. Still to come is a small antipasti and Chianti at the flat and then dinner somewhere in the neighborhood. But, I’m ahead of myself.

The day began with a rude start. I awoke and realized it was 9:30 AM. After tossing and turning after a few hours sleep, I had ove slept. So I quickly jumped into the shower only to be further shocked by the lack of hot water. By prior arrangement, we had decided to go to church at 10:30. Not just any service, but at the Duomo, complete with Gregorian Chants and celebrated in Latin. Yes, Latin. It was a splendid sitting in the magnificent church. Often, my mind would wonder and I found myself reflecting on the fact that people have been sitting (or earlier standing) in the same place and participating in the same mass as I was for the last 500 years.

After the service, we were a bit hungry and in need of coffee. So we went on a stroll in search of food. As it happens to tourists, we were lured into a restaurant where we ran up a bill of 28 euros ($36.00). Our breakfast was three coffees and four croissants; welcome to Florence. It was then back to the flat for a change of clothes and Aimless Tours was off.

As Aimless Tours entered the Boboli Gardens we realized we were in heaven. What better place to wonder around without purpose or direction than a Renaissance garden. As one of our group observed, we were aimless and oblivious. We finally found our way out, walked across the Ponte Vecchio, watched what the rich people were buying and made our way home.

Short relaxation, and a lovely dinner tonight that we didn’t eat until 9:30 PM!

Tomorrow: Aimless Tours attempts to find its way to Cortona and Assisi