The second part of my journey has started; I've landed in Scotland. Yesterday was a quick trip to Florence. The high speed train from Rome to Florence was fantastic. We zipped along at 150 mph. Florence is a beautiful city without a straight street in it, but the maze-like experience of getting around adds to the charm. It was a quick trip, and I wasn't able to see much, but I did get to take in Michelangelo's David.

Today I flew back to Dublin and then to Glasgow, Scotland. I was here four years ago, and I knew I wanted to come back. I like the spirit of the place and people. Italian people were friendly, but I like the laid-back friendliness of the Scots. They're a little reserved, but very welcoming to travelers. Tonight at dinner several were curious where I was from. I said I live near Chicago, and one immediately said, "Chicago Bulls!" It takes awhile to understand what people are saying because the accent is thick here, but after a few days your ears and mind adjust and it makes sense.

I'll be here about ten days, and I'm looking forward to the good things I'll find in my second trip here.