We caught the train early from Rome to Pisa this morning and picked up a car to start the next leg of the trip as a 'self-drive', with a few challenges along the way.

Our first challenge was finding the car rental dealership which for travelers convenience was located at the airport, except we caught the train. A taxi ride later and a few spins on foot around the airport to locate the desk we were advised that you need to catch a shuttle bus to the rental car place which only arrives every 30 minutes, with a line up outside in the direct sun. Eventually we got to the rental company office.
Our second challenge was locating the car, which we found in the enormous car park, parked in a totally different place to where it was supposed to be. Thank goodness for remote control car opening and lights that flash when you press the remote!
Our next challenge was that the mid-sized Lancia we ordered was like a compact, so our luggage did not fit in the boot. Thanks to folding seats we overcame that issue.
For our final challenge - staying on the right hand side of the road. Driving in another country is difficult enough, but doing it backwards that's a challenge in itself! Thankfully Italian drivers in Pisa are patient. With the guidance of our trusted Google Maps, we found our way to the Leaning Tower. After a few trips around the block to locate a car park we finally found one with the help of one of the many African men selling sunglasses on the side of the road. He obviously saw us coming as he then proceeded to help us to also buy a ticket for the car park as well as selling us two pairs of scratched faux Raybans from his collection for the staggering price of $16 AUD..."and I'll watch the car too boss!"

The tower is spectacular. It is located in Piazza del Duomo. It is the freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa and it is best known worldwide for its unintended tilt to one side. It is the third oldest structure in Pisa, the build commenced in 1173 and took almost 200 years to complete over 3 stages of construction. The infamous lean began during construction which was caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure's weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed, and gradually increased until the structure was stabilized. The tower now leans at about 3.99 degrees. Built of marble, the tower glistens in the sun. The intricacy and detail in the Romanesque facade is quite beautiful and you can't take your eyes off it. We were both mesmerized by its beauty. We spent a short time in Pisa before we headed back to the car to continue our journey to Arenzano.