Mon Mar 17 Florence morning

 Merle and I arrived yesterday afternoon within 30 minutes of each other and met up at the airport. 

Took a Taxi to hotel which I  booked as hotel Russo .. but when we arrived, we found that our hotel name has reverted back to its original name and is now called Garibaldi after the original owner of the building, often called the founder of modern Italy. It is a most interesting and bizarre facility to walk around because it had been a villa and now is a hotel. Maybe I will snap some pictures later. It is on Piazza Santa Maria Novella— Great location but I knew that when I booked it because the last time I was in Florence  I stayed just down the street.

We dumped our things at the hotel and headed out for a bite of dinner. After dinner, we walked over to the Duomo, and were surprised that there were crowds of people. I did not expect it to be super busy now , but we found out it is spring break, and our hotel said it is the start of high season already! Unfortunately, jetlagged Jane was not paying attention and I had my backpack purse on my back which I should not have done. My wallet was taken. And the really scary thing:  my passport was in it. I never carry my passport with me. However, since we had just arrived, I had not taken it out yet. Crap! Almost €300 in cash, credit card, ATM card, global entry card, passport. I immediately called and canceled my credit card & ATM.   We went back to the hotel where they told me I needed to go to the police to report it. Very nice woman in hotel reception walked us over to the police station, which was an interesting experience.( reminded me of going to the Police In Montpelier with Joni!).  They took a detailed report and gave me a copy.

When I returned to the hotel, I called Joan to tell her and about a half hour later she called back to say someone found my passport! ( she was listed as my emergency contact in my passport ). She gave me the finder’s phone number and I called the man who is also a tourist. He was walking his dog ( a good sign) when he spotted my wallet. I guess the thief took the money, credit card, ATM card, and threw the rest on the ground. Lucky me! 

So now it is the next morning and I am waiting to hear from the man to coordinate where I can pick up my wallet.

Fortunately, I always carry a second credit card which was in my suitcase as well as more euros in cash. I also learned that Wells Fargo can grant me immediate access to my new ATM even though I don’t have the physical card yet. So I will have an easy way to get cash. Of course Merle can also get it for me and I can pay her back.

She was quick to remind me that I was not hurt and it is only money. I am embarrassed but I am a victim, even though I had not made a good choice at that moment.

So let the trip begin! We have Monday and Tuesday free time in Florence and tomorrow afternoon we will go to Siena to meet up with our tour group.

I may write again later tonight about my day, but I wanted to get this much recorded anyway.  

As always, please forgive any typos as I dictate these  and am often in a hurry .

Bongiorno Italy!