Sunday 27 October. Another party somewhere close by! That was ok until some time after midnight someone decided to play on the piano - no tune, just bashing. It became too much for D, who opened the window, roared enough!!!!!. Noise abated somewhat. After that it was just the pesky mosquitoes and other ghostly rattles. First photo is of our apartment building - our entrance door is between the graffiti and the shuttered window. Our apartment is actually out the back. Train to Pisa, filled up. At station, signs of decline of civilization. Headed for - of course- the leaning tower, but enjoyed the walk along malls and streets to get there and along the market stalls by the River. The River view is very similar to Florence.....age, colour, architecture, same old crumbling grandeur. The central town area was all pedestrian friendly and it seemed strange to see department stores and chain stores after the largely boutique and designer shops of Florence. The tower was as expected....definitely leaning but beautiful in a grand wedding cake way. Squeaky clean white against heavy grey sky. T remarked on the bridal effect, and a moment later we noticed a bride& groom & photographer clicking away. Then the sky opened and the couple sought refuge up against the cathedral wall. They looked all wrong....no hint of romance, closeness or a wedding party. While the bride held her gown up to keep it dry, the groom leaned back on the wall and lit up a cigarette. We went into the cathedral, as its a week since weve had a cruci -fix and on returning to the outside and sunshine, there they were, the bridal couple,& photographer more snapping away. It was then that we realized it was some kind of promo...if wed looked closer earlier, wed have seen the price tag dangling com the bouquet. Overheard someone refer to wedding planner Duh! Access to the cathedral was the usual Italian process. Entry was free - but you had to have a ticket. The ticket office was located a couple of hundred meters away, so off we trekked in the rain. Joined the queue and waited. Four positions at the counter, all occupied, two open. Then a third closed. Then some new staff arrived so the one remaining counter joined in the hugs and kisses of greeting. Obtained ticket, just retained sense of humour! But visit to cathedral was worth it, and an opportunity to beg forgiveness for unworthy thoughts. Train back to Florence - very easy, and they run at least half hourly. Very impressed so far with Italian train system. Walking back across the bridge - the river looking far better at night. Mentioned water yesterday - a couple of the fountains pictured. Impressions of Italy continue. This is a lovely country to visit: the people, after the initial break through, are really friendly and helpful, despite sometimes curious processes and procedures. #6. Food is so much a part of life - the various shops full of delights from fresh produce, to processed meats and cheeses to sweet treats. One of the highlights. #7. Coffee. We had been warned that Italians take their coffee seriously. We can understand why; perhaps its the ambience (is there an Italian equivalent?), but the coffee has been a real joy. T has joined D on the doppios - sort of a double espresso, sometimes taken with acqa calda (hot water) to dilute to taste. A very short black and super strong. #8. Litter. Surprisingly free of litter, except for cigarette and cigar butts, which are everywhere. Occasional rubbish, but rare enough to stand out. System of rubbish collection is great - huge bins on every street, including recycling ones. Households dont have individual bins, although in Rome there were individual bins for green waste and general rubbish, as well as the street skips for recycling material. And the lids are operated with a foot pedal...so sensible, as the hands are occupied with carrying the garbage. #9. Culture. Not so much immersed as inundated! #10. Toilets....hmm! Not obvious; and you can only access the one in the back cupboard of a bar, if youve bought something, which is fair enough but the conditions within are hugely variable. Cost between 30 cents and 1 euro otherwise. #11. Beggars and hawkers....mostly women begging and hawkers appear to be from African background...Sudan, Ethiopia....and always young men. A bit like the car washers in the UK.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 17:27:39 +0000