October 21st, Train to Florence

We had rain last night, but woke to clearing skies and were able to wipe down the tent to pack it dry. We had breakfast and went to the train station to catch the train to La Spezia and the Firenze (Florence). There we walked to the apt. of our Servas host who was storing our bike. Elaine had phoned her on Sunday night and left a message that we would arrive on Tuesday night (she was expecting us either Tuesday or Wednesday and was going to host us as well on one of those nights, so that we would not have to go to the campground in Florence for just one night). She told us she would be home at 5 both of these nights. When we arrived at 5:30, she was not there and we waited on her stoop. Mauny went to the local Coop to get some pizza which we ate while waiting. Around 7, Elizabetta was sauntering toward us with her bike and was very surprised to see us. She never got our message. Elaine left the message, thinking she was being prodded to do so by the recording in Italian. Lesson learned: always have direct contact to confirm. Nonetheless, she was very generous and had us up and made sure we were comfortable. She had to leave to go to meditation and a potluck and we stayed and began repacking our bags. Unfortunately, she came home around midnight and were were already asleep.