phragmentation

Yes, it really is as beautiful as people say it is. I was a little late getting in, but not too bad. I decided to get some exercise and walk from the train station to the hotel so I could see the town a bit better. It was a bit longer than expected, but not a hard walk and the weather was perfect, not too hot, a little breezy, sunny, but lots of shade. Similar to Venice, the streets are narrow and lined with tall old buildings. The part of town I’m in looks like it was built up in the 70s with a definite Socialist Realism style of architecture. Out here I feel like I’m in the outskirts of Moscow! And even at this Holiday Inn (I needed a cheap place where I could definitely work), the food is excellent — I had buckwheat pasta triangles with pesto and cherry tomatoes to start, and then a perfect piece of grilled swordfish. I’m having dessert in my room — russian cookies from the gastronom in paris and aranciata from the mini bar… listening to italian tv and about to crash. an early night for me at last, and finally i hope to be on a better time schedule for the rest of the trip. i certainly don’t want to be tired while driving tomorrow!

More photos!

	Chugging through the Alps… the village of Modane has a castle right above its train station.
	I’ve been to the Milano Centrale station many times, and I think it’s one of the prettier stations when the light comes through the ceiling windos. But I’ve never really done much in Milan other than transfer to go elsewhere.
	Church outside of Florence SMN.
	I was walking along this quiet little street and this movie theater looked so cute. As I got closer, I saw the marquee says “X Movies”

[ronnie Larsen on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 at 00:02:49] excellent reading…you write so well it just flies by….and i’m shocked you were late for a meeting because of the computer..lolthe CL story was awesome, too

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