I already gave an overview of what we did on the 4th of July for the most part. As I mentioned, we went to Siena, etc. That night (after missing our train again in Poggibonsi) we got back to Florence around 9. There was a jazz concert up at a castle that we were planning on going to, but it finished at 9, so we missed it. Instead, we caught up with Patrick. Patrick owns a huge 15th century, 3-story (used to be 3 city blocks) building that has been in his family for years. It was traded to some king of Spain as a marriage dowry years ago. There are dozens of layers of paint and below them all lie original frescos from hundreds of years ago. Patrick gave 
us a tour of the 
house and the three of us went to dinner in the city. Patrick is a fascinating guy who speaks German, Italian, English and French. He rents parts of his house out as a B&B but would prefer surfing on the beach in Malibu. He took us for a full florentine meal that consisted of cheeses, truffles, a mushroom that looks like the inside of an egg, breads and pastas. It was the best meal i've had in months. The highlight of the meal was a plate full of flowers from the ends of zucchini that were covered with a tempura. Amazing!
us a tour of the 
house and the three of us went to dinner in the city. Patrick is a fascinating guy who speaks German, Italian, English and French. He rents parts of his house out as a B&B but would prefer surfing on the beach in Malibu. He took us for a full florentine meal that consisted of cheeses, truffles, a mushroom that looks like the inside of an egg, breads and pastas. It was the best meal i've had in months. The highlight of the meal was a plate full of flowers from the ends of zucchini that were covered with a tempura. Amazing!From dinner, we grabbed a Gelato, walked across one of the town squares where they used to kill people during the inquisition and walked up to a lookout over the city. We spent the walk talking about gas prices, motorcycles, and culture of italy. Because Patrick is well educated and could help us understand (in english) some of the things we've seen in italy, our evening with him was a highlight of the trip.
This morning, we got up early, helped Patrick move some things, grabbed breakfast and headed out the door. We barely made it to the train and caught the train up to Bologna. After a quick lunch, we caught a connecting train to a little town called Ferrarra.
Ferrarra has been the highlight of the trip so far. It is a little town that barely showed up on the map. We dropped in because it is expensive staying the night in Venice. We found a beautiful town with tons of green space and bike trails that ran throughout. The student hostel we stayed at rented bikes and we spent the evening riding around the city. I haven't been on my bike for months due to a shoulder injury, so I think half of the thrill was just being out on the bike again. Anyhow, this was the most surprising stop along the way and really a diamond in the rough.
Wow! This all sounds like a real vacation. Farrara is a much better choice than Venice. I was unimpressed there.
I love little out of the way places. How is your shoulder? Bike riding through beautiful scenery can be a spiritual high. I hope it was for you.
I hope you can find a Patrick in every city. His knowledge was such a blessing to help increase your understanding and give you special insights as a tourist.
I am grateful that he took you under his wing.
Dinner sounded delicious. I have never tasted truffles, but I know they must be tasty because they are so expensive. I think I enjoyed every different kind of bread in Italy. Gelato is so refreshing, and comes in so many different flavors.
Dad has set up a new blog. He worked on taxes yesterday and a blog. I call him "IJ" short for Iron Jak. He is so very clever.
Today is fast day and you are in my prayers. I pray everyday for your good health, protection, and that angels will be placed in your path when/where needed.
I will look at your pictures from Poqqibonsi, Siena. I am proud of you to be so adventuresome. Traveling with Rene, is much more exciting than being on a bus tour with 100 other tourists. Dad and I could never do that.
I will check your blog tonight and wait to hear about your day.
Love, Mom