Dave,
We enjoyed unusually great weather for our week in London and survived the transport strike with no issues. In addition to seeing the Tower of London and marching bands at Buckingham Palace, we attended a choral service at St James Cathedral, had dinner with a college friend at a posh club on Pall Mall, took a boat on the Thames, and had other adventures.
A short visit to Paris included the Louvre and a boat ride on the Seine. In Switzerland we stayed in Montreux on Lake Geneva and Zermatt with clear views of the Matterhorn. Arrived in Florence yesterday afternoon. Faculty and students have orientation today and classes begin tomorrow.
Judy