On the way to Cinque Terre

Pisa

On the way to our next stay, we spent a few hours in Pisa to of course check out the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Construction on the tower started in the 12th century.

I climbed to the top of this tower the last time I was here many years ago. I remember the worn slippery steps to get to the top.

Before the current trip, I checked back to my (film!) pics from last time and found this one I took of a friend at the top of the tower.

Shortly after I climbed the tower, it was closed for almost 12 years to restabilize it, and lessen the slant. And apparently to add some safety features, like guardrails and glass walls at the top where you could have been able to slide off.

The new version of the tower is still slanted, as are all the buildings here on this unstable soil.

Of course we all had to pose for pictures showing us saving the tower from falling.

La Spezia

After lunch in Pisa we got back on the train to La Spezia. This is the nearest city to set off for day trips to Cinque Terre – five fishing villages perched on the cliffs of the Ligurian Sea coastline. I had never been there before and this is why I booked this particular trip so I am stoked!

La Spezia wasn’t really our destination, just a place to stay, but it had its own charms. Our hotel was just off a pedestrian mall, in the middle of shopping and restaurants, and a short walk from the marina. Cruise ships dock here but thankfully we have not seen many due to covid.

We had a great seafood dinner, and squid ink pasta with bucella cheese was the best dish. Wine from this region is white, and Vermentino was great. Early bed for everyone since tomorrow will be an exciting day!