It’s good to make Florence our final RSJ trip stop. We arrived about 10:30 and have a couple of hours to shop or hang out before gathering for lunch. It turns out to be shopping for us and finding several take home leather goods to make packing more challenging.
Lunch at 
la Menagerie continued our eating successes in a very contemporary restaurant, actually something comparable to an upscale Williams and Sonoma.
We had been looking forward to visiting the state operated art restoration and preservation facility located in Florence; it did not disappoint.
The only pictures allowed wee outside the building and my writing skills will fail in helping you understand the significance of our visit.
We stood within touching distance of antiquities that, if in a museum, guards would have gotten some Taser practice. The center director unveiled a fresco from 600 B.C. (You might want to think a minute about that) and we were allowed to come within a foot or so to get a close look. As we walked through the facility, it became expected that the artifacts being restored or preserved were in the early centuries A.D.
We were schooled on the processes of preservation and restoration, and the significant differences of the concepts. The most interesting items we saw, and there were many, were painted textiles unearthed from the cooled ashes of Pompeii. Incredibly, many textile artifacts were recovered without being destroyed in the eruption. The work being done to preserve the historical items is measured in microns per day, and powerful optics are being used to aid the artist’s work. The instruments used in these processes range from focused laser light and X-ray technology to Q-tips and drug store rubbing alcohol. To restore badly damaged art, artist use watercolor on the oil paintings to eliminate any attempt to create a counterfeit classic painting. It also makes the reversal of the process easier if future technologies permit more effective repair methods.
Our last dinner was held at Anna Gloria’s villa and prepared by her daughters and staff. Several stand-up courses are served elegantly on a long contemporary table and everyone enjoyed the homemade offerings and local wines.
We have been told that a surprise happening will occur after dining. Boy, did it ever. How about a four piece rock n roll combo that could not only play like a the you’ve never heard, at least that close before, but were also great entertainers. Great R&R, dancing, singing and I’ll not answers anymore questions as it could incriminate me worse than I am already incriminated!
Best ever finale to a great tour; Thanks Robert and Jill, and our travel friends
Next year, Jim and Pam
On to Roma
Train platform 12, Rome
Me and the guys. Great evening, notice shirttail.
la Menagerie continued our eating successes in a very contemporary restaurant, actually something comparable to an upscale Williams and Sonoma. 
