Italy - Wednesday Night

Wednesday was a holiday in Florence. The city celebrated with fireworks. The only place that you can see the fireworks is on the river. We decided that we would go experience the fireworks in Florence. I was excited to add Florence as a place that I saw fireworks (I got to experience July 4th in both New York and in Washington, D.C.). Thomas wasn't feeling good, so he stayed home at the last minute. The rest of us headed out towards the river. There were A LOT of people heading to see the fireworks as well. We finally found a place along the river against a wall. (Walls are all along the river.)

Papa J and Lauren.


This is how crowded it was before the fireworks started. As the fireworks began, it got more and more crowded.

Papa J had to hold Jackson so that he could see the fireworks.

People crowded in more and more until we finally gave in. We decided that it was time to go. So, we took the two strollers (in the crowd), and headed out. The race was then on to get on a bus or get a cab. After running to catch a bus (which were limited because of the holiday), we couldn't get on because it was too crowded. We decided that the bus was not going to work because right after the bus left, a crowd had formed at the bus stop. No way were we going to be able to fit three adults, two kids, and two strollers on a crowded bus. Off to find a taxi. We finally found a taxi stand where a taxi was parked! We stood and stood by the taxi. No taxi driver!! We decided that the taxi driver had parked and gone to see the fireworks! Off to a new taxi stand. Finally got there and no taxis!

Papa J got on the phone to call a taxi. He kept getting disconnected. So we stood and waited.

Jackson had fallen asleep.

I was VERY excited that he was asleep! Have you been around a 3 year old that doesn't get good naps and is out too late every night? Well, you can figure out how he was acting! (I kept teasing him and telling him that one day he was going to go on a trip with his three year old son and will have pay back!)

Finally, a cab pulled up and we were back at the apartment to pack for Rome for the next day. Good bye Florence. Wimper, wimper, wimper.