We woke up to get to the train station early because we drew the lot to pick up mom at the airport (Aeroporto di Amerigo Vespuci). But I'm getting ahead of myself. So we take a cab to the train station. Theresa was underfed and underslept and not doing well. I was on automatic travel neurotic mode where I get anxious about everything and just like to be early. We get to the station and Theresa's one priority is food. Of course the Micky Dees has what she wants, if only she could get the person behind the counter to understand that all she wants is a #3 (sausage mcmuffin with egg, a hashbrown, and a drink). Well while she is trying to work the Italian to no success, I was waiting forever on line trying to get us tickets to Firenze. The Italian train system is quite interesting. There are many different types of train. We ended up on the Eurostar 2nd class on the last train we could take and make it to get to Mom on time. The ride to Firenze was uneventful. We got to the station and navigated our way through the heat to the Avis Car station. When we get there they tell us that our car is some place else ... I'm not having it! After a bit of a flurry with a very nice young man he not only gives me the car I have reserved, but a slight upgrade-Opel Astra Turbo Diesel.

Well, we're off to pick up mom. My first time behind the wheel in Italy. Not only are the drivers NUTS! The roads are even nuttier. Trying to follow the signs to the airport seems easy enough. Then I remember that the guy at the Avis pick up told me that the gas tank wasn't full, but at 3/8ths. I think that means 3/8's of a tank, so I rush to fill it up. Of course it is midday and there are no attendants at the gas stations and all the gas stations are using these Bancomat systems. Anyway, I put in 20 Euro, and end up only being able to put 5 Euro into the car. I think the nozzle is broken and I'm getting really frustrated. Well, we have to go pick up mom. We try to continue following signs. Then out of nowhere a turn to the right that we miss and we end up on the Autostrade. So we do what we will do often on Italian roads ... turn around. We finally make it to the Airport, but have a hard time finding the arrivals terminal, which when we do we find a very patient Mommy waiting for us.

Well, off to the villa. We pack Theresa in the back w/ Mom's suitcases. But first we have to find the Autostrade and I still think we have to put gas into the car. I try again, but this time more cautiously only put 10 Euro into the Bancomat, to find out that I'm a blithering idiot and the tank was full and topped off. I even ask a native for HELP, confirming that I'm a stupid American. Finally, after 30 Euro … not only is the tank filled with gas (actually diesel), but has been for quite some time.

We head out following the directions to the Villa. We make every mistake that could possibly be made. All this time thinking that no way could my brother have written these directions and blaming the Israeli travel agent. Anyway, we get to Cerbaia, the city we are told means we've gone 2 km too far. We made the right turn after the Mezzola sign & the 8 km marker. We even asked for help from a local, who pointed us north. We had one last resort, we took it, went past the narrow bridge through a puddle, and made it to the Villa! We meet Michael and his family and wait for Sharon & Aleisha to show up. Michael greets us with … "Well, I made a little mistake in the directions ... blah blah blah." You mean these were YOUR directions???? My thought was, "Wow! You have lived in Israel WAY too long."

Sharon finally calls, hours later and we find out they were up to the door but turned around b/c they didn't see proof that this was the right place. So after their arrival we shortly receive the food from our chef for the evening. Grilled Turkey & pasta.

So we went to sleep under the mosquito netting as our Tuscan adventure begins.