Pisa

Pisa

We spent a wonderful day in Pisa just exploring the sites around the Tower,  the Duomo, and the Baptistery.  Lory, Bob's sister, drove us to Pisa and dropped us off at the train station and we walked to the tower.  It was quite stunning to come around the corner- and there it was.  I was surprised by how small it was- I always pictured it bigger.  Most of the buildings around it are taller.  It was a hot day, and we spent a lot of time seeking shade and water.

The tower was built over 2 centuries, by  3 different architects, starting with Bonanno Pisano in 1173

Climbing the tower steps- several hundred of them.  The tower has been closed for decades- and just reopened this year- (Brad visited in 1974 and it was closed...) what a treat for me!  

Holding up the tower- I just had to do the cheesy pose after seeing everyone else doing it.

There is a 15 foot vertical lean to the South.

The Pisa Duomo

The Baptistry- is leaning 6 feet to the North. 

Inside the baptistery- I'm not sure when the Catholics decided to call "sprinkling" baptism, but clearly this was not always the case.  All of the large churches (Duomo's) and baptistery's have a "font"

Giovanni' Pisano's octagonal pulpit was carved from white Carrara marble. It has three statues representing "Faith, Hope and Charity, (the pillars of Christianity) and the final pillars have lions  crouched over their prey, representing Christ's triumph over Satan. The  top of the pulpit has a series of carved panels depicting scenes from the life of Christ.  

View from the tower over Pisa's "Field of Miracles"

A Nun from India asked if she could have her picture taken with our group- sure.

Emily and Bob brought their local newspaper from home, in a contest to get a picture taken with the paper--the furthest away from Susanville!  I never heard if they won???

Bob visited this government building, to try and get an original copy of the Porfiri coat of arms and family crest. 

No luck... government bureaucracies are the same everywhere!

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre

The Italian Riviera

We traveled by train to Cinque Terre, which is actually made up of 5 coastal cities, just north of Carrara.  We took the train to the furthest city North, Monterosso, then traveled by ferry boat between cities, working our way back.  It was a delightful day.  We  wore swimsuits and shorts so we could enjoy the kayaking and swimming along the way.  Each city was unique and charming, and tucked into the rocks and hills.  We hiked and swam in Monterosso, and Brad had to explore the WWII pill boxes on the cliffs.  We rented kayaks and ate the best pizza and calamari in Vernazza.  In Manarola Brad joined the teenagers in jumping off a big cliff into crystal clear water, and we all went swimming again (so hot).  We hiked the hills in Riomaggiore, where the houses are literally built into the hills.   Each narrow steep stairways through the city led to fabulous overlooks of the Mediterranean.

Carrara Mable Quarries

Carrara Marble Mines

 No this is not snow- it's white MARBLE from the 

Apuane Alps

Ready for a four wheel drive adventure 

Working from the top down the marble is cut into large blocks

Cut marble is hauled down the mountain to the port in Carrara

The Statue of David by Micheal Angelo was carved from the pure white marble of Carrara

At the top of the Mines

Our adventurous ride down the mountain meant the driver  did not use his brakes...

Check out the James Bond movie-  Quantum of Solace- with a race through the Carrara Marble  Quarries.