On the train to Florence, we strike up a conversation with a couple from Australia who are traveling with both their mothers. He’s interested in American universities and chats with my daughter about dorms and loans and degrees. He’s in banking. His wife works from home and hasn’t gone into the office in two and a half years. Sometimes, she says, she stands in the backyard and talks to the birds for company.
In Florence, our windows look over red roof tiles. Pigeons nestle in the ivy.
Stony Soil Vermont 
Is that Florence? I’ve never been there. Beautiful photo.
Florence in a little rain. Stunning city.
Ah Paris, Ah Florence – oh how important travel is and how lucky
your daughter is to have this time with you outside of the USA. Loving
the little snippets of your travels. Thank You and safe travels. Hey, if
you decide to stay it will be one big adventure your won’t regret.
I feel SO LUCKY to have this trip with my daughter. Such a full journey this has been.
We do a lot of talking to birds over here. Especially after a gruelling lockdown.
My daughter made friends with a nuthatch in 2020…. Very sympathetic for our train companion.