David's

Another cool day in Florence, and we're making the best of it, getting errands and shopping done. I still have not hit the streets with the Nikon too hard. Yesterday, I used the G10 to make this and some other photos while walking around Florence. Today, Sunday, its raining and thunderstorms, so I do not think I'll be getting much shooting done. I still have work to do in the small WU computer lab we've set up for our students. Its a pretty lame set up, I have two Mac Mini's and one of them is an older G4 model with only 1 gig of RAM, so I do not think I can load the new version of Photoshop I have brought with me. I did get the epson R800 cleaned up and running well enough to print on, today, I am going to try to get the older 2200 running.

Dinner on the patio with Susan

Last night a very pleasant evening of great food and wine with Susan on the patio of our apartment. After dinner, a nice walk to get gelato at Neri and of course, the never ending discussion about who makes the best in Florence. 

I have not started to photograph in ernest, thinking I have 60 days here. I've mostly been photographing with the Lumix and only had the D3 out for a little while yesterday. I have always said I like a heavier camera, working with the Hasselblad as an example, but the combination of the D3 and the 24-70 mm lens, may be my limit. Its a heavy combination. Today however, I am working the F100 with my 20 mm lens and actually shooting black and white film as its a little cloudy and I need some film to show the students how to process negatives next week. 

We started the day off by sleeping in a bit (9 am), then breakfast, I caught a capuchino at the corner, then some food shopping at the Central Market (I have a new chicken guy now), then home and a quick stop by the workshop to check email.

Tonight is an aperitivo at Regan's with the students and we're eating out tonight.

with Rosemary along the Arno

Another busy day, getting in the swing of things here in Florence. The apartment is mostly set up, and I'm building the wine collection up. Had my class intro, we talked, went over the course outline, then a walk to the local camera store for an "introduction" with my friend at MB Photo (Mr. "Special Price for you")

Sleep routine still not where it needs to be, but we're working on it. This weekend, no classes, but lots of dinners and aperitivios to attend.

The Bad Hat

The first mishap of the trip, moving into my apartment. I was walking down my street, trucking bags and baggage, and a gust of wind carried my Italy hat off my head and it hits the ground at the exact moment a woman on a bike runs over it. Perhaps a sign I need a Borsalino.

Welcome to Italy!

Arrived yesterday after a long day of planes, trains and automobiles. It was grueling as always, but we're here. The flight on Continental Airlines was good, the aircraft very clean and on time, but the meal was dreadful.

Lots of meetings today and orientation, pictures tomorrow.

Ciao!

Two weeks until I leave!

Starting to do the serious packing, just about have all the photo gear in order, last minute purchases of CF cards and gold DVD's for backup, and of course, an extra battery for the Lumix.

Seem to have misplaced some of my favorite movie DVD, it seems the only time I watch them is in Italy. I am determined not to overpack, even if I am going for two months.

Planning-packing

Its been hard for me to do my usual packing routine for Italy. With the wedding this weekend, the house needs to be at a different level of organization than I would normally have it in. I only decided this weekend to check two bags and carry on the camera roller and the computer bag. I'm most worried about getting from the airport, to the airport train, to the Eurostar platform with all the gear.