Il mio viaggio a Pisa e Firenze

I decided that since it was forecast for good weather today I would do all the touristy stuff. I obviously didn’t bank on how taxing and tiring it would be to do that in the heat. I left around 10 and it was already in the high 20’s. That should have given me some clue about how the day was going to be weather wise.

I had a quick look at the map to see which direction to head for the tower. That was my main destination for the day and whatever I came across on the way there would be a happy accident. First port of call though was a store for a massive bottle of water and a cold, fizzy drink. Once I had done that, it was on my way towards the tower.

I managed to find the main shopping street and, to my delight, it was still early enough that it was shaded. If you are looking for stuff to buy, Sunday is definitely not the day for it. Most of the places were shut. Another weird thing is that no matter the day, most places don’t open before 9.

I got to the top of the shopping street and there was the river. It was weird to be there. I had found a website online that did city webcams and where I was at was where the Pisa webcam was. I know, I know, I’m strange like that. I stopped to admire the surroundings before heading across the river towards the tower.

I will add, there are so many side streets and piazzas to wander down and get lost with time. I did that for an hour or so on my way to the tower and came across a number of cool sites.

After I returned from one of the side streets I wandered down I came across the tower. What a sight to behold. It was so surreal to actually see it after only ever seeing it in pictures and on TV. What I didn’t realise is that there is more than just the tower there. There is also a cathedral and museums and galleries. It is quite expensive to get to go up the tower (I didn’t do it as I wasn’t feeling great). It costs €18 and you are limited to a specific time slot. I opted for the free ticket for the cathedral. The only trouble was is that I had a 2 hour wait for it.

I had a look at my trusty friend Google to see if there was a supermarket close by for food and drink. Lo and behold, there was an American Embassy right outside of the square and I headed there. Be warned that McDonald’s here is expensive. We are talking like €9 for a large 6 chicken nugget meal. I didn’t care. I was hungry and thirsty.

I killed time until it was time to go in to the cathedral. I was in there for about 30 minutes and then decided to head back to the hostel as I wasn’t feeling good and my head was pounding and my feet and joints were aching. The feet from crappy shoes and the joints from a crappy hostel bed.

Once I slept for a bit I then went back out to wander again for a little bit before heading back to the hostel for some food and to sleep ready for my trip to Florence.

The last day in Pisa I didn’t really do much. I had a much needed lie in. During the night we had a massive lightning storm and I spent a couple of hours at the window taking pictures and videos of it as I was mesmerised. It meant I didn’t get to sleep until about 03:30.

Here is one of the videos I took of the lightning.

My feet were really sore from the shoes and walking around Florence so I decided to just get some food and sit at the train station (as I am wont to do) for a couple of hours before heading back to the hostel for an early night for an early start.

2 Dutch guys were in the room with me and they had just gotten in and were in a chatty mood even though I was trying to sleep. I didn’t want to be rude so chatted with them for a bit – and then again around 03:30 when I was getting ready to leave for the airport.

Total steps: 29,640

Total miles: 13.6

Below are some of the pics from my time in Pisa

I had an early start today so I could make the most of my time in Florence. The train was at 08:30 getting me in at 09:30. I had seen there was a McDonald’s there so I thought I would get breakfast. How wrong I was. It didn’t open until 09:30. Seems like a lie in is in order in these parts. I managed to find a drink and some food and then headed to the platform for the train.

As we were on our way, there were plenty of inspectors aboard and it was definitely needed today. They had some issues with a couple of fare dodgers. They had to escort them off the train at the next stop. Also reassuring to see was a cleaning team on board – can’t be too careful with this dumb virus.

We arrived in Florence and I found the American Embassy to get some food before heading to the sightseeing bus. I got to the stop and the service was suspended until September. It’s true what they say – don’t believe everything you read on the internet!

I decided just to head towards the river and see what I happened upon on the way. I was greeted with a sight I wasn’t expecting. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – you just don’t know where to look here. It’s a feast for the eyes no matter where you look. I had no intention of queuing up for a ticket so I admired it from the outside and walked all the way round it.

On the website I mention about webcams, I saw the one for Florence and it was pointed at Ponte Vecchio and I headed that way. The bridge is a pedestrian bridge with views along the Arno river and it has stalls that hang out over the side of the bridge.

On my way there, I came across Fontana del Porcellino – the Brown Boar fountain and I also happened upon Piazza della Signoria and in this square was Fontana del Nettuno and Statua del David.

Once I was across the bridge I found somewhere to eat because I was really hungry. I opted for a plain old ham and cheese panini. After I had eaten I decided to walk along the river looking for the perfect picture spot. There were so many to choose from though. I got to the end of the street and headed back across the river to find some more fluids as I was all out of water and fizzy. I also wanted somewhere to sit as my feet were killing from the soles inside the shoes. I was almost certain that the heels of the sock would be disintegrated too (I was right, more hole than sock fabric).

I found my seat and sat there for about 30 minutes just watching the world go by. I had rested enough and continued along a side street parallel with the river. The architecture is something else to behold and I couldn’t stop looking around. I headed towards the lock on the river to get some pictures and just listen to the water flow. Anyone who knows me knows that I am mesmerised by water. It was nice to stand on the bridge and admire the views whilst listening to the water. At this point I needed the loo and pleaded with a hotel to let me use theirs. They temperature checked me before allowing me to use them.

Once I was done I headed back along the river and across to a church to have a look around. I then headed back towards the river to head towards the train station. I found another church open and I had a look in there also. The churches in Italy are very plentiful and also ornate.

Once done there, I headed back towards the station and then tram surfed for an hour or so before I had to be on the train back to Pisa. Once in Pisa, I stopped to get some ice cream as I was craving it so bad. It tasted lovely that’s for sure.

I was so glad to be back in the hostel to sleep.

Total steps: 18,874

Total miles: 9.2

Below are some of the pics from my day in Florence