Leaning Tower of PISA

Left Vernazza this morning at 7:15 and changed trains in La Spezia before landing in Pisa. Took an easy 30 minute walk to the Field of Miracles where the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistry, Museum and Cemetery are located. Climbed up the tower and was amazed at how much you can feel which side you are tipping toward even though there are only a few widows and terraces to get your bearings. The spiraling stairs are made of marble, but even THEY are no match for the gazillions of tourists who have climbed the monument and gravity because depending on what side (tipping or leaning) you are walking on the stairs are worn differently! Worn on the outside if you are tipping and worn on the inside edge if you are leaning. Haha. The view was fantastic and I had fun taking pictures and even trying to hold up the leaning tower. Another 30 minute walk back to the train station and I was a sweaty mess ready to rest in Florence. A quick train ride and I made it to Firenze (FLORENCE) and bought a map first thing before figuring out what bus to take to the hostel. I am staying at Ostello 7 Setti (Hostel 7 saints) that used to be a convent. I have a nice room with a view of an orchard. Dinner and breakfast are included for 12 euro and I could hardly eat all the courses tonight. Gnocchi, bread with balsamic and oil, rosemary pork and saute zucchini and then creme caramel for dessert. Whew! I climbed the stairs and am doing some sit ups to try to stay on top of this Italian carb love affair.

Lessons Learned:

1. It's a small world. Really. I have met lots of people from the US and tonight I met a guy from Boise who knows my friend Jana Fischer. Wow.

Tomorrow Plans:

Hike around the Duomo and Santa Maria Novella Church.

Friday- Meet up with my friend Honey from Willamette Univ. and go to the Piazzale Michaelangiolo for pictures and dinner

Saturday- 8:30 Accadamia apt (DAVID) and 1:30 Uffizi gallery apt.

Sunday- Maybe a Vespa tour of the Chianti/Tuscany region? Rain?

Monday- Siena?

Tuesday- Volterra (That's right Twilight Fans...)