Books, Books, & More Books

I love books. I love the bookstore. Somtimes I have a tendancy to go a little overboard. I would be totally happy if someone would employ me to shelve books. Actually, to go through and find books that are in the wrong place and put them where they belong. It brings me great pleasure. Odd, don't worry, I know it. Being as we'd only been to one bookstore today, we HAD to stop at the Borders.  It was a matter of Life and Death, don't ya know! Anyway, I plopped myself right down in the travel section and promptly found the books I was looking for, Great Sleeps Italy and Great Eats Italy. I'm always amazed at what a better selection Borders has over Barnes & Noble. (btw, that's NO-blay in Jamie-ese). They had at least twice as many books on Italy alone. These two books are fabu! I love that she puts the pertinent info in the margin, so you don't even  have to read the write-up if you don't want to. Hello! That's awesome. And, she's obviously pretty darned honest because in one restaurant review I read, she said, "I can't recommend eating here, but the dessert is awesome." She even mentions to get it for takeaway or to mention to the host that you're only getting dessert because sitting in the main dining room for dessert only is unacceptable. Fascinating. Did we come home with said books? 'Course not. We just signed up for B&N's program, so we'd better use that. We'll be purchasing them online (unless the shipping's too much!). Terrible, aren't we? We did, however, pick up two more maps. Have you ever seen these? They are the best! They are little maps that fit perfectly in your pocket, but fold out into a great map. They are easy to read (lettering is big enough for blind as a bat Chris), have great detail, include everything that could possibly be considered a site (and they're well marked), and they include some extra detail areas and some suggested walking tours that aren't in our guide books. And all for only 4.95. I know, I know, we can to to the local Tourist Information Office, but I like having a map with me when we get there just in case!! We already had the Florence map, and it's so good that I've been keeping it open as I try to find us a place to stay. I'm probaby going to have to do the same darn thing with Rome. I'm thinking we'll definitely go the Hostel route there. We're only staying one night, and it might be fun! Speaking of Florence, I found another room that interested me, but they're having problems with their online booking system. Grrrrrrrrr. I know we'll find a room, but it is a bit annoying.