Tower Power

Torre pendente di Pisa

I will start off by telling a joke. (cough, cough) here it goes ...

What did one awesome girl say to another awesome girl ...

"Let's go on another day trip!"

Ha ha ha! Alright, so it wasn't that funny! But it is factual! A small group of travelers went to Pisa, Italy and Firenze (Florence) for the day! Ang and Josh, Heather, Austin, Melissa and myself got up at the tush-crack of dawn and made our way to the airport. NOTE: there is a trick we used to bypass the long lines ... we pre-booked wheelchair assistance! Heather, a newcomer to the day trip experience, 'took one for the team' and was the designated sickie. Poor girl! She twisted her ankle the day before and couldn't stand on it too long ... the pain, you see, was too much for her. Of course, having someone in the group in a wheelchair put us ahead of the game - there was no waiting for us! NOTE: it is important to note here that we are manipulating the system with all the best of intentions.

After the fun and games had already started, it was time to fly (literally). Off we flew, into the wild, blue yonder and this time, the Alps were snow-covered. I must admit the route we fly whilst traveling to Italy is beautiful. The sunrise was particularly stunning and, although some chose to snooze, I was mesmerized by the beauty of it all. NOTE: it is getting easier for me to fly, which I never thought would be possible! I don't get "foofy" unless there's bad turbulence.

Woo Hoo! Touchdown in Pisa! A flawless flight landed us in a wonderful city! At the airport, we happened upon two sister missionaries of the Church and chatted with them for awhile. They gave us some great tips on traveling to the tower and it was soon on board the city bus. This was a very economical way to travel (.85 euro each) and soon we were at the tower! Here are some interesting facts about the Tower of Pisa:

FACT: The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral

FACT: Construction began in 1173 and lasted for about 200 years

FACT: The architect is still uncertain

FACT: Efforts were made to stop the inclination from the beginning

FACT: Construction was halted for almost 100 years

FACT: Galileo conducted his famous experiments with gravity and the relative speed of falling objects from the top story of the tower

FACT: During WWII, the Allies discovered that the Nazis were using it as an observation post

FACT: The tower was closed from 1990 to 2001 to aid in stabilizing the tower

FACT: The tower has been declared stable for at least another 300 years
After a bit of shopping (where Ang purchased a gorgeous Gucci purse for 25 euro), it was off to spend the day in Firenze! May I state for the record that Florence is the place to shop! WOW! Did we have fun! Even Austin and Josh had a fun time! Melissa bought a adorable black 'Guess' purse and wallet and Austin picked out a special scarf (it couldn't be itchy). We looked around the shopping area for around 5 hours! After some thought, I decided that I, too, would like a gorgeous Gucci purse ... and of course, knowing my luck, I was NOT successful. NOTE: if you want anything at a good price, have Ang barter for a better deal, not me! Gelato was had by all (mmmm ... gooooood) at a wonderful little shop. The clerk had lived in California and was super-duper pleasant! Whilst shopping, I spotted an older man dressed like Santa, so of course, I asked him if I could have a picture of him and the kids. Who wouldn't like a picture of an Italian Santa? After communicating with him through hand gestures, he told me that he wanted me to give him money for a picture. WELL! I've never been so insulted by Babbo Natale (Santa Claus) before! This mommy was definitely NOT going to be kissing him anywhere, much less under the mistletoe! Sad to say, I did not have any euro change and he did not like that too well ... after shouting at me, waving his hands and even hitting me in the shoulder, he walked away. This shouting-waving-hitting episode (he obviously didn't take his meds) only lasted 15 seconds and it was over sooner than you can say "kiss my reindeer". NOTE: Italians are very passionate, verbal people who have no problems with 'personal space'.

We had supper at a small pizzaria - Austin is in love with the prosciutto pizza (ham pizza) and Melissa settled for a margherita pizza (just cheese and tomato sauce - it's named after Queen Margherita). I had a spinach calzone and Josh ate Squidward (he said he tasted yummy, not fishy!) Ang and Heather had some pasta-looking dishes and I have no idea what they were (my apologies ;).

This trip to Pisa was one of the most pleasant I've been on! It was a very relaxing, fun and adventurous time (including the assault by Santa) and I would love to go back and bring Jacob (and get a Gucci purse because I need one)! A highly recommended outing! ;)