Two Pilgrims' Progress; from fair Florence, to the eternal city of Rome

Two intrepid Englishmen set out on a pilgrimage from Florence to Rome, hauling a bright‑red tricycle that draws as much curiosity as admiration. Their friends back home warned of endless fees, disease, and even criminal marauders, but the travelers press on, eager to trade the dreary English weather for the sun‑lit Italian hills. The opening chapters follow their arrival in Florence, where the city’s bustling piazzas, bustling market stalls, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio become the backdrop for a light‑hearted adventure.

Soon the duo discovers that the tricycle is both a marvel and a nuisance: customs officials marvel at its craftsmanship, while local porters haggle over its transport. A comic mishap with a luggage carrier and a bemused blacksmith—who struggles to understand “wire” but ends up praising the contraption as “a new horse”—offers a glimpse of the quirky encounters that await them. Their journey promises a blend of travelogue charm, gentle humor, and the timeless allure of a road‑trip across Italy’s historic landscapes.