Italian Travelogue #5: Pisa / Tuscany

Another early start to the day and we woke up to a rainy day. After breakfast, it was time to bid farewell to magical Venice, after which we embarked on a 6-hour drive to Tuscany. I spent the long drive looking out the window at the passing landscapes which, on this particular drive, were spectacular. We passed through numerous tunnels, 28 to be exact, [can you believe I was counting them? haha] that cut though under the hills. This particular highway was called “Highway to the Sun” built by Mussolini, that runs from Milan to Naples. Our route, however, took us across the plains of the Po River and traversed the Apennines, the hilly backbone of Italy, to reach the Arno valley. Enroute, we heard the informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous.

Following the river westwards, we stopped at Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower where elaborate steps have been taken to prevent this landmark from falling over. I can hardly contain my excitement. As you know, it has always been my dream to have my picture taken against the leaning tower. As Shona aptly described it, the leaning tower is the most defective work of art in Italy. Florentines hate it so much that they want to topple it down. (haha)

When we got to Pisa, we boarded Disney-like trams that ran from the parking lot to the old city walls. Driving through part of the town showed that Pisa was definitely working class and not a very attractive city.

Once we got off the tram, we walked along the old city walls to the main gate and archway to get into the Campo dei Miracoli (The Field of Miracles). Walking along the wall was an experience unto itself. It was like being in a bad Turkish bazaar with trinket shops everywhere, or running a gauntlet, with vendors vying for your attention nearly every step of the way.

Once we got into the gate, the Tower, Duomo (Cathedral) and Baptistry came into view. It was beautiful and the view stood in stark contrast from the carnival atmosphere just outside the gate. All three of the major buildings are located in a wide expanse of lawn with pathways that lead to each of the buildings.



Ricky and I then took turns in taking pictures, including the incredibly tacky but fun shot of ourselves positioned in such a way as to look as though we are holding up the tower. As with most people, Ricky was intent on getting several good shots of me with the Leaning Tower, thereby fulfilling one of my two major dreams in life. The second was to get back to Vancouver and land safely. (haha)









We had about 1-2hr stop and also had to get lunch. So there wasn’t enough time to buy tickets to see the insides of these buildings. I may live to regret missing the chance to climb the Leaning Tower. And that continues to haunt me until this day.

Anyhow, we then fought our way through the tacky tourist stands and blankets full of fake Prada bags in order to meet Shona at the prescribed time and place. We then all loaded back onto the little train and back to the bus.

For those of us who opted for the wine tasting tour, we were dropped off at the winery, Fattoria Il Poggio. This is a working olive oil farm and winery. We met the tour guide at the farm and walked up into the Olive Tree Grove. There we stood in the middle of a grove of olive trees with views of other groves and vineyards dotting the surrounding hills listening to the guide explain why this region produced the best olive oil in all of Italy, and why she thinks Italy makes the best olive oil in the whole world.



We then walked back down the hill to the buildings and areas with tables outside amongst hanging vines, and another old stone building, which was set up for us. We went in and sat at long tables that had five different kinds of wine on each, as well as olive oil, and were immediately served with antipasti and different kinds of toasted breads and bruschettas. During the meal, we tried the different wines and then at the end they brought out a sweet dessert wine with almond biscotti to dip into it. They then brought us a small taste of Grappa, which I have been looking forward to try. Holy Molly! It was like 200% alcohol! It just burned down my throat. One of the guys in our group threatened to pour water over me if I didn’t finish my grappa. So after cheekily throwing ¾ of the contents out, I gamely finished the rest of the drink and they all clapped. Of course, everyone must have had more than a few drinks, including moi, and were therefore in a jovial mood. Since then, I firmly resolved that in the future, I would prefer to drink lighter fluid if given the choice between it and Grappa.





Thereafter, we traveled to the spa resort town of Montecatini Terme and to our hotel, El Prinsipe, where we received our boat anchors as hotel keys and went to our rooms to relax and get ready for dinner at the hotel.

As a backgrounder, Montecatini Terme, known all over the world for its spas, natural springs and thermal baths, is the ideal destination for all those looking for a rustic place that provides tranquility and complete rejuvenation. Basically known as a summer resort, this place in Tuscany enjoys mild weather all through the year.

As you may have guessed, I can’t wait to get my feet wet, so to speak, and explore the region.


……to be continued