Thanks for writing Bea and Martha! We wish you were here to share our exploration with us. Today, Annie had two voice lessons with each teacher. There is so much for her to learn and she learns so much in a short while. Importantly, she has learned how to sing for a longer period of time without harming or stressing her voice- something that has always been her concern. Her voice will grow as she ages, still only 16. As she has learned with Janet Haig, Annie continues to learn more about protecting her vocal cords. It involves a new sound for her, but it is a sound that relates to opera and not all kinds of music. For the second day, Florence is hot!! After lessons we went to La Pavoniere in Parco Cascine. Very beautiful and relaxing! It looks like I will be doing most updates since Annie is busy working on her online class as I am writing to our readers and friends in this internet cafe. Please keep writing everyone so we know you are reading and give us your news too! Before we can hardly blink our eyes, we will have to leave this wonderful place that has given us more insight about the Italian culture and about ourselves. I will really misss grocery shopping, something I dislike doing at home! The ingredients here are so so good and Wednesday night Annie and I are hosting a dinner , all Italian dishes, to celebrate our new friendships and Annie s upcoming birthday. The international cooking school of florence is making her cake!!!! 15 euros! We are now members of the cooking school and they are doing something special for Annie s cake. Cant wait. Love and blessing to you all, Robin and Annie