Pisa, Italy

 April 13, 2025

The ship docked in Livorno, Italy and we took a bus to Pisa.  Unfortunately it rained all day long so the photos are less than ideal.  I was concerned about being able to make it to the top as my calves were definitely talking to me from the day before and was so fatigued the previous night that I mistakenly said “ I don’t think I’m climbing to the top of the tower of leaning pizza tomorrow”.  I must’ve laughed for 30 minutes after that.  Nonetheless Ed and I both climbed to the top.  The tower is listing at 5 degrees but it certainly felt like more than that.  As we entered, I said “well Ed, if it falls today, we’ve had a nice life”.

The winding staircase is very narrow ~ 36 inches wide with traffic going in both directions.  The stairs ( all 269 of them) are made of marble which is worn down in the middle of the tread.  Going up wasn’t so bad but coming down, with no handrails, wet steps and uneven tread was rather treacherous.  My foot slipped once and I envisioned a lovely domino effect if I were to fall.  (I did not.)

Photos to come when I have better connectivity

April 16 - now in our Paris apartment with good wifi so I can add pics!