We took the Leonardo Express from the airport to Termini, where Barbara, our personal shopper, picked us up and took us to the atelier / workshop for LGR glass frames. The owner / designer, Luca, is an old friend of Barbara's, and he happened to be there when we arrived, and regaled us for a couple of hours with stories of his grandfather and father (who was s photographer) when they lived in Africa.

He was leaving to attend the Monte Carlo Grand Prix this weekend so eventually left us in the able hands of his assistant to help us buy glass frames - and buy we did! We were given a great discount due to Barbara's connection, but because it was less than wholesale had to be cash. So off we went to find a bank or bancomat for euros . We scraped enough together to buy the glasses but needed still more euros for the rest of the day - plus perhaps the next day. (For the rest of the day we tried chasing down banks , bancomats, western unions, and cash exchange kiosks.. No luck).

Had a small lunch at a nearby bistro (nothing to write home about) and went in search of another suitcase (my Rimowa finally broke after 12 years). Also managed to stop at a shop I've been trying to get to for June's (my brother's mother-in-law who has been so sweet to me for so many years) birthday present!

We finally headed back to our hotel and, too tired to search for a fabulous restaurant just ate at the hotel. After pizza and pasta for weeks, we had burgers and fries....