Second to Last Day at Work

Hello everyone!

Well, I am here by myself because Duncan is working late tonight at a "sports night" for the kids. He should be home in an hour or so though. However, I guess the update is left to me!

Firstly, I had some very entertaining conversations with my coworkers about American things. We talked about American tv shows and how many commercial breaks there are. Helen said she didn't know how we watched tv that way, and that often times American shows would run for 40 minutes on Irish tv (meaning we lose 20 minutes to commercials when we're viewing). I mentioned that some people watch the Super bowl just for the commercials, and everyone in the office was outraged. They thought that was ridiculous. Helen said she watched the Super bowl a few years ago and that it was horrendously boring. Then we talked about how American sports are boring because they are continually stopped for all of the rules and regulations... and how if you barely touch someone it is a foul (and after watching just a few minutes of any Irish sporting match, you will know why they think that ridiculous). Fiach said he rather liked ice hockey- I told him that it was pretty much the most violent of sports we watch, and that was probably why he liked it.

In other news, I looked up the forecast for the cities Duncan and I will be visiting next week, and while sunny, it is HOT! Florence is supposed to get up to 105°!! We've grown accustomed to the mid sixties. Today it got up to about 70 and it felt pretty hot to me. That's kind of sad- but true. So, in my shock, and realization that I had packed only one pair of WHITE shorts, I ran down to the "cheap" store and picked up and extra pair. I also got a new purse because the one I have now doesn't have a zipper. I've heard about those pick-pockets in Italy... and Spain, so I'm trying to get prepared!

Last night Duncan and I pretty much exhausted the Office episodes available online, so tonight I have moved to My Name is Earl. It is truly hard to get by without a tv.

We would gladly receive any recommendations anyone has for things to do or see while in our last week of travels. As we don't have much time in any particular place, we're pretty much planning to do the average tourist stuff... hate being one, but what can you do?

I send my love to everyone- please pray for safe travels and we're looking forward to seeing everyone on the other side of the pond!

<3
Whitney