Saturday, September 20, 2008
Leaving Florence. Got out of bed at around 8:00am. Left the hotel shortly after and headed down to the Mercado. Interesting place with vendor stands selling meats, cheeses and such inside. We had our caffe/tea and pastry inside, bought some cheese and fruit and headed for the train station.
We caught a 10:30 train to Pisa. We put our luggage in Baggage Storage and walked to the Leaning Tower of Pisa through a nice pedestrian only shopping street. The weather was very nice, 73 degrees and sunny. We climbed up to the top of the leaning tower. At the top you are on a narrow ledge, with open railing on both sides of the walkway. The ledge forms a circle that you walk around to take in the view. No gravity expiriments are allowed. If heights bother you, you might think twice about being up there. It was a great visit and you can really feel the lean walking up the circular staircase to the top.
On the way back we stopped for Gelato. Then a second stop for caffe/tea and dessert. Becky bought a blouse.
We hopped back on the Train and headed for Vernazza, changing trains in La Spezia. In Vernazza we waited on the piazza and the room manager, Giamba, took us to our room. We enjoyed some wine on the terrace. We explored the village some and then had a nice dinner at Gambero Rosso. It was a very nice place, the tab was about 100 Euro.
Impressions
Our hotel in Florence was quite adequate. The staff was very helpful. One staff member went out of her way to find the answer to a question I had about train tickets to Vernazza. Did we need 1 ticket or 2 to Vernazza if we wanted to get off the train in Pisa which was on the way. It turned out that we needed 2. The hotel was tucked away on a narrow street with some noise. Becky liked the bed. I would have liked more covering than just a bed spread. However, at 90 Euro it was a bargain. Don’t forget the great WiFi. In some places the Internet access does not allow for a VPN connection, which I need. At this hotel the connection was wide open, and free of charge.
Pisa. What a nice city! And not very crowded. It is a university town so there are a lot of nice looking young people and plenty of cafes and Ristoranti. The town can be explored quickly like Rick Steves recommends, but I wonder if it wouldn’t make for a relaxing one night stay. The tower and Field of Miracles is really Postcard perfect. It is great to say you have been to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Pisa along the Arno River
Thank goodness that fine young man is holding up the tower
The "Field of Miracles" from atop the Leaning Tower
The top of the Leaning Tower
Professional Photographer
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