Before departing Florence, we stopped by a small overlook that provided a panoramic view of the city.
We hop back on the coach and head back to Rome where we will ultimately depart this magnificent country. However, before doing so, our tour guide determines that we are running a bit ahead of schedule and decides to take a detour that he thinks we will appreciate. Man! He was right.
We stop by the World War II American Cemetery in Florence.
You may remember we visited the cemetery dedicated to the British Commonwealth earlier in our trip.
The American cemetery is equally impressive and it confronts you with the sacrifices others have made on our behalf. As I walked among the markers, I was struck by how young these soldiers were. Most only 19 or 20.
I was also moved by how many of the markers simply read, "Here rests in honored glory a comrade in arms known but to God". So many soldiers could not be identified. There is a wall that lists the names of the unidentified.
Once back on the coach, we traveled to San Gimignano, a Tuscan hill town. We climbed the steps of the city and arrived at a vibrant market where we had a quick lunch. We even climbed more steps to a thousand year old fort that offered more breathtaking views.
Finally, we arrive back in Rome for our farewell dinner. It's starting to set in for everyone that this adventure chapter is coming to a close. Tomorrow we will each go our separate ways, but this shared experience will will bound us together for a lifetime.
I hope you enjoyed riding along with us.
Ciao. -Pat and Stan
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