Friday at the UK

I'm surprised at the number of foreigners here - no, not the tourists. There seems to be a large number of Africans, Chinese, Sri Lankans and Pilipinos. Or at least they are very visible, either running shops or sitting around in parks in great numbers. The Africans all seem to be involved in selling watches and sunglasses in the markets.

At about midnight a couple of young Esperantists without congress badges stopped us to chat. It's strange that even though they were here for the UK, just the fact that they weren't wearing their badges around their neck gave the encounter a completely different feeling. And one of them was from Switzerland and one from Iceland of all places - a nice touch.

Last day of the UK for me as tomorrow is just the closing ceremony and I've been given the tip that it goes for two hours and is boring.

For some reason this bridge is famous and attracts tourists like ants to sugar. Why? I've got no bloody idea. And when you see the crappy souvenirs being hawked on the bridge, and the crowd, it becomes even more of a mystery.


Best drinking place in Florence? Outside in the park on Piazza de Indipendenzie.

Presided over by my mate here. An absolute character - so friendly - knows everyone, calls out to everyone, like something out of a film. Cheapest beer in Florence besides out of a supermarket and served in the friendliest manner by far.