just wanted to add a thought regarding the small rooms facing the airshafts. i have stayed in some absolutely elegant hotels in italy and happened to have been stuck in florence in one of those uncomfortable rooms with no way to change locations. we were told that these rooms were assigned to the servants and staff that accompanied their masters, who, naturally were comfortable in the rooms with a view. as i was a single travelling with a group, the singles with the group were assigned the footmans' and maids' room . when i travel in italy with this same study group, i now pay not only a supplement for a single put also to upgrade to a double room. this has solved the problem.

singles travelling in europe should be aware that when paying for a single room they may receive a small bed and cramped space. there is nothing wrong with this but i find that if i am in a room for five nights or so i prefer more spacious surroundings.

am off with this study group on sunday to bologna for ten days.

bettina jerusalem