Here is the way NOT to start a vacation in Italy...on less than 2 hours sleep in 24 and carrying about 80 lbs. of bags about a mile in 45 degree weather. After finding our hotel -very nice indeed with everything in the room being varying shades of blue and gold and a stunning view from our 3rd floor window-we went out for our first stroll. It was a false start as the temp had dropped even more and after about a mile we headed back to dress warmer. Then back out to wander the streets. We had a gelato (mine hazelnut, Scott had tiramisu) even though it was cold out. Walked various palazzos and window shopped and finally stopped for a mediocre dinner at a restaurant very near our hotel. Scott had calamari and I had gnocchi (Ann had sent an e-mail: eat lots of gnocchi!) and then we went back to the hotel, took showers in our spotless but incredibly tiny shower and went to bed where I proceeded to have a meltdown. After about 12 hours sleep we woke up VERY refreshed and had an amazing breakfast in the hotel dining room. The coffee was perhaps the best I'd ever had and the rolls were crisp and slightly sweet. Off now to find a grocery store. Later...