Day 5 - Pisa and Lucca

This morning we walked off our last bridge, leaving behind the pedestrian life, and returning to civilization and the real world. I hadn't realized I was feeling claustrophobic in Venice until I got back out into the open space and country-side!

We picked up our car rental in Venice. After hearing about crazy Italian drivers, Greg was not looking forward to driving here, but it didn't take him long to relax behind the wheel, and blend in like a native. I think "Mario" is actually having fun on the roads in our 5- speed!

We drove 3 1/2 hours to Pisa. As we got close, and I spotted the Leaning Tower on the horizon, I pulled one of my "moose" squeals, getting myself into a bit of trouble with the driver.

The Leaning Tower is in a walled area called the Field of Miracles - a cluster of 3 buildings: a cathedral, a baptistery, and a bell tower. At first sight, the tower actually looks squatty and shorter than its massive reputation! We had fun posing with the tower - pushing it over and holding it up. We had a nice picnic on the huge green lawn while we waited for our tour. It was all decent, and worth the afternoon detour, until it was our turn to climb it. Then it became a trip highlight! Climbing it is similar to the Statue of Liberty except for the odd and thrilling sensation of going down when you were climbing up (because of the lean). There are actually 3 levels to the climb (each one where you get to go around the outside). It was such a unique, fun experience!

Next we drove a charming road to the walled, quaint town of Lucca ... With every bit of historic charm you'd hope to find in Italy! Except for a few locals, there is no driving permitted within the walls. The cobblestone "streets" are pedestrian only, and full of locals savoring the great things in life - esp. during their passegiata, their evening stroll through town. The wall itself is quite wide, and felt like a park as we walked along it. We are staying next to the ancient "anfiteatro", originally the amphitheater during the 2nd century! The B&B Anfiteatro is our largest, nicest room yet!

We thoroughly enjoyed our short time in the town - a relaxing drink in the town's center square, local snacks from Pizzeria da Felice, and dinner at Trattoria da Leo!

Tomorrow we head to the remote Cinque Terre area, where they still live the old style of life, and modern wi-fi is not available.