Monday, July 6, 2009

THE TOWER THAT TILTS

Not something you would see just anywhere...


The original plan was not to go to Florence, but to go to a small walled city named Lucca about half way to Florence. I had done some research and it seemed very doable in the amount of time that we had. Then Bob mentioned the Tower in Pisa, you know the one?? Since Pisa was on the way we decided we would take the train to Pisa ( from Livorno where we docked for Florence which is about 1 1/2 hours away by train), explore and then go on to Lucca if time permitted. I am sure I have told you multiple times that I spent a lot of time on the Cruise Critic boards and forums getting ideas. The word seemed to be "don't bother with Pisa, there is nothing there but the tower in a field". But once again we decided to judge for ourselves and found Pisa to be a delightful city with wonderful shops, a bakery ( yum) and great buildings. We wandered around and headed toward the tower. Obviously signs for the tower are pretty easy to understand and the walk was pleasant.






This is the day that was supposed to be 74 degrees and rainy. It actually sprinkled for about 5 minutes and that was it! Wonderful weather.






Approaching..it really does look more than a bit odd.


You can buy a ticket to climb the tower, but there was a wait of two or three hours. The tower is in a large park with several other buildings, lots of souvenir type stalls around the edge and many many people posing with the tower in the background.



We saw the sights, ate lunch around the corner with a view of the tower. Pizza again!





No time for Lucca, but we had a really fun time just wandering about Pisa and taking the train and bus back to the ship.

Next time I will tell you about Villefranche, France and then sadly, our trip will be over.

Later,
Janet

9 comments:

  1. you are just taunting me with those shutters, aren't you?? wow. i love your trip, and esp. that you wanted to make your own decisions about a place. (of course, that isn't SO surprising...) still loving the trip, and my feet aren't sore yet! jkj

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  2. That first photo is quite a conversation piece! I love it.

    I also really enjoyed your photo tour of Pisa...those narrow streets and beautiful blue shutters, and ornate facades....I'm so glad you two decided to visit and then share it with the rest of us.

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  3. That first pic is so random! The others, well they are as close as I'll ever get. Thanks for sharing!

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  4. That was a marvelous picture story. I agree with Life this is probably the closest I will ever get to Pisa.
    Thanks for sharing. Blessings
    QMM

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  5. Your vacation sounds wonderful. I am enjoying your tour! I'm glad you decided to do your own thing - you may have regretted not seeing Pisa...~ Robyn

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  6. Fabulous photos from your walking tour, so nice when other bloggers take us on holiday with them.

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  7. Hi Janet....

    I've had a wonderful time taking your tour! Someday.....

    Blessings,
    Spencer

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  8. AMAZING photos Janet~The colors & sights make me feel like I was there with you! :) chris

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Thanks for stopping by. Please leave me a comment if you have enjoyed my blog. I look forward to "chatting" with you.

Thanks,
Janet