It was raining something fierce, so today we lazed around the house until nearly 4pm. It was nice to catch up with some sleep, my emails and have a look at some advance planning. And by advance I mean two days from now.
First my friend in the Nice area said week after next would be better for her for our visit and then today heard from my friend from Spain, Miracle Miry, who is coming to Rome next weekend and wants to meet up. It seems like the stars are aligning for a longer stay in Italy than planned. That's ok, my Italian is finally coming back with a vengeance and I'm enjoying the MANY random conversations I've been treated to thanks to Carbon.
This afternoon we went to the really nice park just behind the house. It's a mini castle of some sort which has been turned into a community centre and big green open space park. Carbon and I were the only ones there and he raced around like he had springs for legs. He's so funny in zoomie mode!
Then his "in training" vest went on and we headed to the tram station. It was my first time using the tram and REALLY Carbon's first time on any tram. We're near the end of the line so it was empty when we got on, but it soon became standing room only. It's a really challenge for me to protect his tail. I'm used to protecting the feet, but that TAIL!
The challenge is exacerbated by the fact that Carbon is TOO relaxed in public transportation. He keeps wanting to slide down to the floor, spread out and fall into a nap coma. We really need to work on how I manoeuvre him - or really how he manoeuvres himself - but for this first experience, I suppose I'm just glad that he took it in his normal stride.
On the ride there, he was 'discovered' by a large family of tourists who took turns petting him. Then he was actually grabbed and kissed on the street by no less than three men later in the evening. I tell you, Italians love dogs! Still, while Brogan got lots of admiration and treats, he rarely got a full on hug and kiss. Luckily Carbon was totally fine with all these shenanigans and his little tail just kept wagging.
While way too crowded and not the most scenic way to get into Florence, the tram did it's job. 20 minutes and we were right at the train station. I realized that this is Carbon's first VERY bustling city. Florence has tons of people, tons of cars and very narrow sidewalks (about a foot and a half wide in the oldest part of town). Keeping Carbon out of harm's way and out of other people's way was rather mind-boggling. Of course I'd had lots of practice with Brogan, but Brogan was the king of the streets when it came manoeuvring and he did it all on his own. He also didn't hoover up every spec of discarded food or try to raid fellow pedestrians' grocery shopping bags.
Still Carbon did very nicely considering all that was new. The difference since taking him and Paul through Salamanca was HUGE. The fact that we can walk past other dogs, that he stays next to me on a hands-free leash. That he sits and waits no matter what while I take his photo. I'm so proud of all the city-slicker skills he's learned!
Ok, that's it for me. I'm going to post a few photos and join Carbon in zeeeing away! Tomorrow we visit my old Italian school and my not-so-old former Italian teacher and (foot willing) hike up to San Miniato. Then Thursday we have a meet up with wonderful
Francesca of Joy Wave Labradors to have a free run with her girls. Good stuff planned!
So abandon your flower arranging plans, Emily.
I guess that explains what it's doing in the kitchen, but...still a little weird! 