Italy Day 2

We arrived in Pisa right in the hooker district – first person we saw was a hooker plying her trade on the side of the road.  We went to the nearest hotel that Rachael (the GPS) suggested was close only to find more hookers and a casino.  Well, that really wasn’t sitting too well.  Apparently, Rachael isn’t really bothered by hookers.  We tried another place which turned out to be downtown, no parking anywhere so we decided to  hightail it out of there and head for Cascina (as the hotel recommended that other spot).  It was only a 15 minute drive so we headed off there. 

We arrived to a nice clean hotel with no hookers.  After settling in, we went for dinner – they seem to have dinner later than we do, around 7:30 it starts until about 10:00, also at least 3 courses and wine.  Claire is trying to watch her weight.  Anyway, we went down to the restaurant and had the most wonderful ravioli, which was only the 2^nd course of 3 – enough for the both of us!  After a good nights sleep and rest with all the comforts of home, a bathroom plus a good breakfast we set off for Pisa and the leaning tower.

Rachael has absolutely no idea about road widths and once in Pisa, she proceeded to send us down roads which should only be used by donkey and small cart.   The tourists seem to walk everywhere with no regard to the cars.  Mick almost hit 2 people who were walking too far out and didn’t seem to think it was a problem.  I think I gained a few more gray hairs that day.

We finally found parking (no small feat around there) and headed off to see the leaning tower.  It was magnificent!!! We didn’t actually go up into the tower as the cost was ridiculous but went into the Cathedral instead.  Stunning!  Mick too loads of pictures.  That was better than in Cathedral in Paris (Notre Dame).  We then headed off to the local tourist vendors and to have lunch!

whoops, Claire thought it was going to fall over!!!! so she was trying to make it straight again

market place next to the Leaning Tower

We stopped at a quaint little Italian restaurant with an outdoor terrace and had a wonderful meal with bread, glass of wine(1/2 litre) salad and fabulous spaghetti for 12 euros each.  So far, I am loving the food in Italy!!!

We then headed off to a little farmhouse that Mick had booked for us on the internet. That became another story to tell.