Venice:







Florence:





Had a cracking good time. Good food, loads of vino, tons of great art..... I really don't want to be back here, nose in a book. I am so SICK of grad school right now.

Actually, one of the nicest things about Italy, and something that has changed since the last time I visited, is that they had banned smoking! I never thought I would see that in a place like Italy, but it was lovely. It made me thing about how archaic London is sometimes. So I was happy to come home to the news that it would be outlawed here.... in 2007! Jeez, right about the time I leave I bet.

I don't think I've ever gone this long without posting without a good reason before. Am just a bit down, as I find this the worst time of year in London. The weather's been just awful. I like Spring, but only because I hate Winter so so much and Spring means the end of Winter, and which all becomes a gateway to Summer, my ultimate goal. But this time of year is so tough, because you can sort of sense that it should be getting warmer, and the sun is staying out later, but you know it's going to keep on with the cold through May or even June.

At least Sunday it was so damn bright I was blinded. See the sun reflecting off the Gherkin:

And today's quite warm, even though it will be colder tomorrow I feel cheered up already. So I guess I am well on my way to surviving my second London winter. That's an encouraging thought.

Alright then, off to Northern Italy I go. See you in two weeks!