Entries about leaning

It's kind of surreal seeing a monument like the Leaning Tower of Pisa right in front of you. You've seen it a hundred times, in photos and such, and that's what you think of when someone mentions it to you. But it's a whole other deal when it's smack dab in the middle of the square you're walking through. My first impression was, "It's a lot more slanted than I thought." It really leaned. It was more than just a bad job with the level. And it leaned like a person would lean. You could see it curving, rather than just sticking out at an angle. The other buildings in the Field of Miracles were also impressive. We visited the Baptistery and the Camposanto. Obviously, we would've liked to go up the Tower, but at €18.00 a person, it was decided that we would admire it from below.

The Baptistery was a large, octagonal building that served the one purpose for which it was named. People would come here to be baptised, and after they had been doused in one of the four basins, they could make their way over to the church not thirty metres away. As my dad pointed out, it was a bit difficult to comprehend that such an ornate and sizeable building had only one function. There was a second floor, which was a balcony that went all the way around, so that people could get a good view of the baptisms. After the Baptistery, we made our way over to the Camposanto, or cemetery. The walls were partially covered by some fire-damaged frescos, and coffins, busts, and statues lined the inside. It was a little eerie, but interesting, too. Some of the graves were marked for people that had died less than five years ago. You could see how it would have been even more impressive back when it was first constructed.

We walked around Pisa a little bit more, just to get the feel of the town. It seemed like a more open and orderly Lucca. Then we were off to Cavriglia. Our current home is a very nice one indeed. Abby and I still share a room, but hey, we're used to that now. It's a little rustic, but in a good way, as well as spacious and warm. We had fresh pasta for dinner (when in Rome Siena), and settled into our address of the week. And while we might not be basking in the Tuscan sun, we're still happy to be where we are.