I am missing winter! Last year was the winteriest I had been in years with a quick freeze in Christchurch (-5) and a coolish autumn in Firenze (10). Sydney's idea of winter has lows of 8, for three days. I want to wear my thick coat!

But yes, Paris and Firenze offer much in the way of shopping and gallery-going, which is really the main exercise. If I can convince Mr Brammers that he likes Europe, we will follow up with a nice long spring trip in the next year or two.