PISA, ITALY
27th May 2002
Now that's a weird looking tower, better go see if we can help......
The next day (Monday) saw us taking the train for a day trip out to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower. The day was a bit overcast but luckily did not rain. It took us about an hour to get there and after getting a map started making our way towards the famous monument. Always on constant lookout for interesting bits of history:) (intrepid explorers that we are)
Kat doing her bit to help save the Tower of Pisa
It is difficult to believe that Pisa once matched Venice in splendor and naval might. We found Pisa to be a very unremarkable little town and not only due to the fact the weather was miserable or that all shops were closed (most European shops close on a Monday). The buildings seemed plain, the churches limp and wanting and as for statues.. couldn't find many.
The leaning Tower turned out to be just down this long cobbled road and round the corner. On first impression it really was astounding to see how far the tower actually leaned. Our view was partially obstructed though by a construction sight and our first thought was one of "oh no, the tower is closed! They're still trying to keep it from sinking :( ...but luckily it wasn't closed as we later found out.
The bell Tower is part of a beautiful church and Baptistery that make up the site as well as an intact ancient Roman wall. The architecture and sculpture of the Tower of Pisa is very intricate, with lots of impossibly thin, carved marble arches that make you wonder if they could possibly keep anything up. It is also interesting to note that of all the buildings in the area (Church, Baptistery and tower) the tower is the only one that is sinking and leaning... it is very strange indeed. We did not walk up the tower but decided to admire it from afar and immortalize it in our photos.
Having spent a few more hours wondering around the souvenir shops, we made our way back to Florence and to our favourite haunt to carry on with our journal.
Our last day in Florence was sadly spent trying to figure out how to reserve the ferry from Bari to Patra in Greece, for our departure back to Athens in about 10 days time. Our initial plan was to take a day trip to Sienna, admire the unique shell-shaped piazza and participate in lots of wine tastings at the various vineyards. Alas, I guess we will have to put it on our "next time" list:(
Our travels now take us through to Rome where we will try and fit in as much as possible into the days that we have left. It is hard to believe that we have been traveling Europe for almost two months now (excluding Greece). My family (whom I phone almost every week.. hehehe) ask us if we are bored with traveling yet? How could you ever get bored?? There is just so much to see and experience and soak up. It is a very large, beautiful world out there. The only thing missing is you, our friends and families. Wish you were all here experiencing this with us.:)...oh well....guess you'll just have to it through the 50 spools of film we have (and counting) hahahahahahaaaaaaaaa..:)
Signing out for now
Bona serra (good night)