We headed to Firenze (Florence) despite the weather reports showing anticipated rains all over Italia.  We drove the 4.5 hours there, through lush, gorgeous scenery (a nice break from the Navy base life we have been living)!  We left late, so by the time we arrived into Firenze we needed to find a room for the night.  It is nearing the busy tourist season &amp; most places are booked...enter our choice of staying at <a href="http://www.ostello.it/">The Ostello Firenze (Santa Monaca) youth hostel</a>.  The tour book we read described a 15th century convent turned 30-yr. famous hostel, although the beauty of the building was lost on the teaming masses of youngsters prepping themselves for the Florence nightlife.  The main problem was not so much the screaming teeny-bopper girls at all times of the night, but rather our seemingly innocent error of not packing towels.  "Thankful" is not quite the best describing word for how we felt to use the extra blankets in lieu of traditional shower tools.  After that uncomfortable experience, we inquired at the Front Desk about towels and were given something akin to the folded paper lap napkins found at most medical offices.  Be glad there are no photos of this fiasco.  :D  [Mental note: always bring a towel when travelling.]

<em>Best wishes to Rachel (Stephen's sister) who is moving into her new apartment in D.C. this weekend!</em>