Pisa - why not?

In the guide books Pisa is listed as a "lesser" destination but we put it on our "to do" list anyway. The history is really interesting adding to the whole "how the heck did they do that anyway?" sense you get as you view these interesting remnants of the Roman Empire. Except in this case - they blew it. More accurately, over a couple hundred years 3 architects blew it.

On the plus side - it's more beautiful than I expected... and smaller. The 156 (I think) columns and exquisite architecture give this 40 ton building a look of lightness that contradicts reality.The marble is all shades of a very light color and quite striking. It really looks like a gem.

But here's where they went wrong. You have to get the foundation right - and they did not. Over the years they have made many attempts to fix the 15 foot off center lean finally having success a couple years ago moving it back about 6 inches. That's where it was when Galileo was chucking stuff off the top.


Both Jake and Stevie took turns holding it up for a bit. This action more than any other will contribute to this testament to Roman ingenuity and brilliance in architecture for many many years. (Even if it is a bit cock-eyed.)

My top moment  of the day was a moment when Jake and I took a walk around our Hotel and ran into this shop where lunch was being prepared in the window. We chose to stay the night off the beaten track again in a working town 15 kms outside Pisa. This restaurant was not for show and tourists - this is lunch being prepared in full view of passers by. A real wood fire and an assortment of meat being carefully prepared.




Off to the side a group of Italian men stood talking about this and that while the mouthwatering aroma swirled deliciously around us. Food in Italy is amazing and another reminder to me as a North American that food should be enjoyed - just like life. This is quintessential Italy. Off to Roma!!