Today, and for the next few days, we are in Siena, which is gorgeous, and the most "Italian" (meaning: least touristy) place we've been yet.

Yesterday, just before we got to Siena, we stopped in San Gimignano (yes, ALL of the places I picked to visit are featured in Assassin's Creed 2... What????). In San Gimignano, I visited the Torture Museum and the Death Penalty Museum, and the whole time, I wished I had Buffistas in general (and Jilli in particular) with me.

Yes, the food has been AMAZING. One of the things my dad and I did in Florence was to take a half day cooking class with a very sweet woman who runs her own bed and breakfast. We met at about 10:30 in the morning to browse the fresh market and pick our menu, then we went back to her place, cooked it and ate it.

We made a panzanella (cold wet bread salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and fresh basil), an artichoke risotto, pan seared pork loin wrapped with herbs and lard, and tiramisu for dessert. That was the most delicious meal we've had yet, though it's not for lack of competition.

The fresh basil in Italy is the best I've ever had.

Ohhhh, I'm perfectly divided between raging jealousy at all the museums and historic sites, raging jealousy at a cooking class in Florence, and pure undiluted delight for you. After careful consideration, I'm going to stick with the delight.

Sounds like an amazing trip Sean. I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

Me, I'm still floating somewhere in the North Atlantic. The scenery has not changed much.

I dearly love my husband and his sense of honor, but it has put us $360 in the hole. One of our housemate's cats got hit this morning, and he needs surgery. Housemate has no funds, so Hubby put the half down up front. I do like the cat, and I hate myself for being cold-blooded about things like this, but I wouldn't put down $700 plus. I'm glad Happy's going to be OK, but still ...

Hey guys ... how does one lessen the symptoms of food poisoning? Joe's on his way out to get saltines and Gatorade and I'm trying to drink water. I am in A LOT of pain.

Maybe a heating pad on your tummy?

Aims, I think replacing lost fluids and such is about all you can do. I wouldn't take immodium or anything, since your body is trying to get out something bad. Maybe some candied ginger would soothe the stomach a bit. I hope you feel better soon.

Connie, that's a tough one. I understand both your husband's gesture and your frustration.

whatever fluids you can get down and keep down. If you can't keep fluids down, hospital for IV liquids. Other than that...brain candy to keep you as distracted as possible while it runs its course. And stay close to a bathroom at all times :(

Oh, Aims. I have nothing to add, erin_o's already said what I would recommend. Feel better quickly.

And yeah, Connie, that's a tough situation. Here is the U.S. Humane Society's webpage of suggestions for what to do when having trouble affording veterinary care: [link] perhaps there is something there that would be of use to the housemate (and by extension, you).

I wouldn't take immodium or anything, since your body is trying to get out something bad.

I'd argue for imodium, myself. Once it gets to that point, the bad has already happened.

Treatment: Lightly sweetened ginger tea, diluted gatorade, clear fluids, heat on abdomen, cursing.

If you have a fever or can't keep anything down by tomorrow, hie thee to a doctor.