The first place I traveled to in Italy was to Pisa, which is about an hour away from Florence. I was invited to go my second weekend in Florence. I met some incredible women who wanted to go and invited me. The train ride was so smooth, unlike the bumpy rides on the Metra in Chicago. Time went fast on the train, mostly spent talking and laughing.
When we arrived, it was a bit dreary out. It was drizzling with a light misty rain. To cross the bridge to get to the leaning tower, you walk through this super cute long road filled with various stores. It was adorable!
We walked the twenty-minute walk to the leaning tower. It was the perfect day because hardly any tourists were there. We were able to stand on the rock barrier to get pictures of us holding it up. We weren't rushed, taking photographs, which was nice.
The cathedral and baptistry was incredibly stunning. It was massive and breathtaking. It was way more exciting to see than the tower. Totally worth the trip just to see that.
After taking pictures at the tower, we got lunch at a cute restaurant near the tower. I had the most fantastic calzone. We went shopping after the cute road. I got a long black skirt for 15 euros, two turtle neck sweaters for 20 euros, and a cute dress from Zara for 10 euros. The shopping alone made the trip completely worth it! We got some amazing gelato. I had chocolate, and it was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. We had a little bit longer to wait for the train home, and our feet were hurting. We got a drink at a bar right by the station before boarding. I had my first Aperol spritz and loved it. It was the perfect thing to take the edge off before the hour-long ride home.
The tower was a little bit underwhelming. In some areas, the tower looked straight. It is something that has always been so hyped, and in my opinion, it really didn't. I am glad I saw it, but it is definitely not a place I would plan to return to. The town itself was also like a ghost town. It was kind of creepy how you barely saw anyone on the street. The locals told us everyone who lives in Pisa leaves every weekend to go anywhere else. Overall I liked going and hanging out with so many new women. Getting to spend time with them and the shopping was totally worth it.
Till the next adventure,
FeFe