After our long day in Rome, the next day was largely a travel day, as we journeyed north along state roads and the toll autostrade and into the Tuscany region. The undulating hills and rounded peaks of the Apuan Alps remained our constant companion. Our first highway rest stop along the way, to ease our aching bladders and also meet strict driver log requirements, offered us our first glimpse of the ubiqitous Autogrill.
These roadside facilities offer fuel, washrooms, snacks, and even hot food and drink if you are willing to engage the other travellers in a random fight for service at the counter. Everybody lines up to pay for their food....but then once they have their food ticket, one must proceed to the bar and in the words of Sabina, "fight for their rights as the Italians do". Essentially, whomever gets noticed gets served next. No line.
In the early afternoon, we arrived at Pisa, formerly on the coast but now 10km inland. A smaller local bus took us from a parking area to the medieval walled section of the old town, where we visited the famous Leaning Tower as well as the much less known Duomo (cathedral) and outbuildings. The afternoon included a casual stroll of the quaint old town, and lunch at a sidewalk bistro (Trattoria La Buca), complete with the Tower leaning ominously in the background.
John and Julie even opted to climb the 200+ steps up the Tower for the best view, despite being pressed for time to meet our bus. Only 30 people are allowed in the Tower at a time, and nobody else can go up until people come down.
Back on the bus, we headed straight east and inland, towards Florence. Our stop for the evening was Hotel Europa in the suburb of Signa, for decent accomodation nested in an urban square beside the train station. Wandering the streets, John found free internet on his I-Touch in front of a closed wireless provider shop, and sent some quick emails.
A quick trip to the local supermarket netted us some provisions, joined by some of the Australians from the bus, as we stocked up on water, snacks, and Mike discovered the wonder of the 1L box of cooking wine for 0.70 euros. After dumping our goods at the hotel, we enjoyed an authentic Italian four-course dinner at Pizzeria Da Foffo, one of the best meals of the whole trip.
The Apennines from the bus window
Pisa Duomo, Basilica and Leaning Tower
Doing my part to preserve heritage
A fine glass of local red Toscana under the Tower!
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1 comment:
why is your arm crooked in that picture with the tower
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