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Any comments or questions please contact us: kevin@sailawayonline.co.uk or ann@sailawayonline.co.uk (Please note our reply depends on available internet access, we will reply to you as soon as possible.) |
VI - The road journey from the UK to Carloforte continues, we cross over into Italy and visit Pisa & Florence.
To view our previous log entries please use the following link:
We head south and cross into France & Monaco.
To view our next log entries please use the following link:
We remain in Italy and visit Rome & Livono.
Log Entry Friday 11th May - We visit the Piazzale Michelangelo, wonderful views of Florence, then off south to Rome.
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Log Entry Thursday 10th May - We arrive in Florence.
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Log Entry Tuesday 8th May - We head back into Pisa to find the old town, disappointing?.
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The old town is documented to be down off the banks of the River Arno that runs through the centre of the city. As usual this is very often where the various cities begin their existence. Normally you would find the "Old Town" lively, bustling with tourists, cafes etc. Not here in Pisa, the whole area appeared tired, run down, most properties in poor visual condition.
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The streets off the river bank were generally dirty and littered too, nothing like the Piazza del Duomo to the north that we visited yesterday?
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Still, it was what it was, at least we would not be leaving and wondering what it was like?
Log Entry Saturday 6th May - Rain forecast today, the tower of Pisa is only 10 minutes walk away!
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We make the best of the forecast and make our way on foot towards the tower, we are told 10 minutes, it cannot be too far off as we can see it from our site? The entrance to the great piazza is congested, market stalls lining the old city walls creating most of the congestion, dozens of stalls all selling the same. Ann does a good deal on the snow globes for the kids!
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Once through the gates the level of security is outstanding, the regular armed police also supported with members of a military task force. A sign of the times one would say? The rain has not stopped any of the tourists, be them organised or solitary as ourselves.
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As soon as you walk into the Piazza del Duomo, you cannot be any thing else at what lies in front of you! It begins with Battistero di San Giovanni (founded 1152), next moving onto Cathedral di Santa Maria (founded 1064) then finally onto the La Torre Pendente (the tower of Pisa, founded 1173). Behind all three marvels sits Campo Santo Monumentale (Cemetery beginning 1277). Obviously the building have developed over time, but great monuments.
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Ann decides she wants to climb to the top, all 294 steps taking you almost 56 meters high. Security is very high at the entrance, no backpacks or bags allowed, I remain below and hold onto them. The stair way is steep, narrow some times making it difficult for "larger people" to pass? She came across a couple panting and short of breath having to rest half way up?
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The view from the top is excellent all round, gives a clear view of exactly how many people are in the square.
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The bell tower, said to be added in the 14th century was also very impressive.
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Then the journey back down, Ann with her usual determination had no problem with the accent or decent!
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We then leave the Piazza and disappear into the small piazza's for refreshments, the rain continues to come and go.