Monday 22 September 2008

Leaning at the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Julia and I took the train from Firenze S.M. Novella to Pisa Centrale. Apparently, we missed the 10:27AM train (as we could not figure out which one was going to Pisa). Back at the ticket machine, it noted the next trains to Pisa were leaving at 10:37AM and 10:57AM; however, Pisa wasn't listed on the board. BUT, both the trains ended at Empoli, so we figured Pisa must be on the way!

Tip: Pisa is usually not listed as an arrival on most train station boards. Sometimes, it will be in smaller font or perhaps not even listed at all. Look for times on the ticket machines and then look for the trains that depart with the same ending city!

At Pisa Centrale, there were directions leading straight to the Tower. Of course, we did a photoshoot with dozens of "look-at-me-I'm-holding-up-The-Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa" shots.

Classic "I'm-Struggling-to-Hold-Up-The-Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa" picture!

Due to a poorly laid foundation, the Tower began leaning in 1178. The design was flawed from the beginning as plans were to originally have just a three-meter base in poor soil. In 1272, construction began again to "level out" the Tower. Unfortunately, by building floors with one wall taller than the others, the Tower began to lean the other way! After removing about seventy tons in 2008, the Leaning Tower of Pisa should be stabalized for the next 200 years with its almost four degrees tilt.

Everybody doing the same shot classic shot! Haha...

Ironically, my favorite cathedral could be the less know Cathedral of Pisa next door. With stain-glass windows and marble in the middle, the palace of worship has a bit of everything. All can really enjoy the Pisan-Romanesque style of architecture.

Inside the Cathedral of Pisa - gorgeous!

Julia and I walked to Piazza Dei Cavalier and saw the local university. Apparently, we found our way into Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale for free as we were mistaken for EU students under seventeen. Hmmph.

The Gallery is an example of a stately home in Geneva. The National Museum displays numerous tapestries, paintings, and coats of arms belonging to the Medici, the Lorraine and the Savoia families.

Inside the National Museum

I actually could live and/or study in Pisa. It's a quaint town that presents so much more than the Leaning Tower. This small community in its simplicity provides a feeling of realness and locality for anybody that strolls its streets. Humbling!

After our adventures, we met Lillie back in Florence for dinner at Osteria Dell Agnolo. I ate the entire pennette con pollo and broccolli which was ridiculously delicious! The girls had housewine and the traditional limoncello after-dinner shot to cleanse the throat, but I was still SO sick! Great day in Pisa, let's explore Florence tomorrow!

Julia loving her limoncello dessert shot

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