The next morning, we left Manarola, took the train back to La Spezia, fetched our cars and luggage, and headed to Pisa. It's another place we considered leaving off the agenda, but how often do you get to go to Italy? We figured we'd see it all on this trip!
We were all really happy we made the stop. Pisa was a really nice town and the area around the leaning tower was beautiful, too, so we really enjoyed it. All except the stop at Burger King. That was all-around the wrong choice.
Moving on.
My first look at the tower!
My kids were so confused. "When is it going to fall over?" It's the million dollar question.
I read that it took 200 years to construct and three architects worked on it. Right after the first part was built, it was already leaning. The remaining two architects tried to correct the leaning by angling the remaining levels and belfry backward. The latest efforts to correct the lean enough to keep it stable (but lean enough to keep it a tourist attraction) were made in the 1990s, when workers removed 60 tons of soil to sink to allow it to sink back into place by six inches. Architects say it should remain stable for the next 200 years.
Adam and Noah leaning back into it.
The kids wanted no part of this family picture. They are hiding behind us.
There we go!
John coached us along ... we thought he was serious.
Adam and John (looking small in the background), showing us how it's done.
They're proud of themselves.
City wall, great lawns. Adam, John and Krista spent some good chill time in the shade on the lawns while the kids and I did hand stand contests and cartwheels and played tag. Noah was grumpy because it was hot, but he can always rally if someone chases and tickles him (his favorite).
This area is called the Field of Miracles.
Military men guarding the entrance.
The cathedral? I think?
Great afternoon spent at Pisa.
Here we come Tuscany!
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