3:25 [p.m.] So, we set the alarm this morning for 8, but it was a slow start. Beast's back (low) was very tight and he was cranky as a result. We got to the breakfast room at about 9:45, justing beating the 10:00 deadline. Not much joy there, honestly, but we found enough to keep us going. Once we finished, we heading [sic] south towards the river, with a stop in the Piazza della Signoria to stare @ the Palazzo Vecchio, still the town hall. Took pics of all the statues, including the copy of the David we saw @ the Accademia yesterday. Then we started out of the square where I spotted a gelateria & had a (€6) cone while Beast had a (€5) espresso. Yikes. Good gelato tho'. From there we walked across the Ponte Vecchio -- CROWDED -- and on to the Pitti [P]alace. We didn't go in, just sat in the forecourt & watched people & pigeons for 30-40 min. Then started to head back north crossed the river @ the next bridge and walking right past the Ferragamo store (and museum). Finally sat down in a restaurant in Piazza della Repubblica & ate over-priced lasagna & gnocchi surrounded by several French senior citizens. Our waiter took close to 20 minutes (maybe more) to bring us the bill afterwards, thus earning a €1 tip on a €50 meal. While we were eating we did get a chance to text Sparky; he seems to be better except for the cough, so that's VERY good news.

Once we got back to the hotel, Beast decided he wasn't going to be able to nap. There are workers doing something on the front of the bldg -- sandblasting, jackhammering, no clue -- and it's loud. I had planned on a nap, so I stayed here -- earplugs and being tired will help. Also, I think I have kicked my sciatica again. Weired [sic] achy feeling in my right leg. Yuck. Anyway, more later.

10:06 p.m. So I woke up after an hour nap. Beast was back by 5 with clean clothes. [He'd gone to the laundromat with all our dirty clothes while I slept.] We headed out to the grocery store and stopped at a bar that was still open  for sandwiches to bring back. Then we sat upstairs on the terrace for a few hours.

(Oops, forgot: we sat at the bar near the checkin desk for awhile after Beast got back. The bar wasn't open, but there was a plug there so Beast could Facebook, etc. I did a crossword.)

Anyway we sat outside talking with another couple for an hour, then ordered sandwiches from the bar & moved inside for those & a little more reading. Back to our room for our in-room picnic: sandwiches, chips & cookies, and white wine while watching Piers Morgan interview Robert Redford et al. about his new movie. Now watching CNN (Europe) News, and getting ready to text Sparky & then go to sleep. If anything more happens today, I'll update tomorrow.