Distance Pisa to Livorno (40km)http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Pisa+Centrale+Station&daddr=Marina+di+Pisa+to:Livorno++&hl=en&geocode=FfjmmgIda7OeACFCturIVR8cig%3B%3B&mra=ls&sll=43.69115,10.747595&sspn=0.489544,1.215363&ie=UTF8&t=p&z=11&msa=0&msid=115833288355014160503.000459522b17d6f34448f>
Images courtesy of Valentino
This morning I spent a few hours lying in bed having breakfast and reading whilst the sun streamed into my bedroom through the open shutters and the sounds of Firenze serenaded me – vesaps on the cobblestone streets, Italian music on the radio, and the church bells from San Marco’s Church. A perfect Sunday morning!
This week the weather has changed in Florence. Since Wednesday we have been experiencing these warm beautiful days. Today has been a simply glorious sunny day - clear blue sky, 27 degrees and no humidity or wind. It feels like an early Summers’ days in Melbourne and because it reminded me of the Great Victorian Bike Ride, I decided to take a train ride to a town on the Tuscan coast and spend the afternoon cycling.
Without much planning I took the train from Florence to Pisa and before I began cycling along the coast, I toured the small town’s main highlights and took some photos.
We all gather images in our minds of what certain places will be like. One of the images I hold dear is a photo Mum and Dad took of me standing in front of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa when I was 2 years old - a cute blond curly topped little girl. When I cycled towards the piazza where il Duomo, the Baptistery and Leaning Tower are situated, I felt the anticipation that comes with confronting treasured images. I thought that the Tower was impressive, but the huge crowds in the piazza demystify and detract from it. Surrounding the major sights in the piazza are open lawns and this afternoon they were covered with people lying in the sun snoozing, couples smooching and families playing with their kids. Circling these lawns there are markets selling token souvenirs, cafes and people out ‘walking’. As with most major tourist cities, those out for a ‘passigata’ were dressed and manicured impeccably and both young and old couples were walking arm in arm. Gorgeous atmosphere – but crowded. I weaved through the crowds with Valentino and then on towards the beach at Pisa. At dusk I watched the local fisherman tending their catch and sat on the beach front eating cassato, pinolata and marron gelato. The marina was really lovely - It reminded me of Apollo Bay. Then I continued cycling along the marina at sunset towards Tirrenia and Livorno. And after a long train ride home, I’m now ready for a shower, tea and bed.
This week the weather has changed in Florence. Since Wednesday we have been experiencing these warm beautiful days. Today has been a simply glorious sunny day - clear blue sky, 27 degrees and no humidity or wind. It feels like an early Summers’ days in Melbourne and because it reminded me of the Great Victorian Bike Ride, I decided to take a train ride to a town on the Tuscan coast and spend the afternoon cycling.
Without much planning I took the train from Florence to Pisa and before I began cycling along the coast, I toured the small town’s main highlights and took some photos.
We all gather images in our minds of what certain places will be like. One of the images I hold dear is a photo Mum and Dad took of me standing in front of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa when I was 2 years old - a cute blond curly topped little girl. When I cycled towards the piazza where il Duomo, the Baptistery and Leaning Tower are situated, I felt the anticipation that comes with confronting treasured images. I thought that the Tower was impressive, but the huge crowds in the piazza demystify and detract from it. Surrounding the major sights in the piazza are open lawns and this afternoon they were covered with people lying in the sun snoozing, couples smooching and families playing with their kids. Circling these lawns there are markets selling token souvenirs, cafes and people out ‘walking’. As with most major tourist cities, those out for a ‘passigata’ were dressed and manicured impeccably and both young and old couples were walking arm in arm. Gorgeous atmosphere – but crowded. I weaved through the crowds with Valentino and then on towards the beach at Pisa. At dusk I watched the local fisherman tending their catch and sat on the beach front eating cassato, pinolata and marron gelato. The marina was really lovely - It reminded me of Apollo Bay. Then I continued cycling along the marina at sunset towards Tirrenia and Livorno. And after a long train ride home, I’m now ready for a shower, tea and bed.
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