Day Six: Is that tower leaning or have I had too much wine?

Today started on short rest as we headed to Rome's Termini Train Station to catch our train to the Tuscany region of Italy. After a 90 minute ride trough beautiful countryside we arrived in Florence (Firenze) to SNOW!!! After checking in to our hotel we met up with our guide and headed to Pisa, Italy. Once we arrived in the area of Pisa we had to park outside the city limits due to local traffic restrictions. After a short 10 minute walk we were standing outside the city walls.

After meeting with another local guide that resides in Pisa we entered the city and explored "Piazza dei Miracoli" which was laid out to replicate the human life. First we explored the Baptistry (the start of life), then moved to the Cathedral (the center of life), and lastly we saw the Graveyard (the final resting place).

The Baptistry

Inside the Cathedral

The Graveyard

Now, I know what most of you are thinking "What about that tower they have in Pisa?". Well the famous leaning tower of Pisa was actually designed as nothing more than the bell tower of the Cathedral but gained it's notoriety by...well.. um... being a leaning tower. However, all the buildings in "Piazza dei Miracoli" are leaning, yet the tower is the one that gets all the attention... and trust me we gave it plenty of attention too, but we wanted to visit the Piazza as it's creators meant.

After a few hours in Pisa we headed back to Florence and had the best dinner so far. Shandle had Zuppa Toscana, Ravioli Toscana, and Creme Caramel while Greg had Fava bean/Barley Minestrone, Fiorentine Steak, and Tiramisu, and of course we enjoyed a half liter of the house "Vino Bianco". Well tomorrow we explore Florence and get to see Michaelangelo's "David", Brunelleschi's famous Cuppola, Giotto's Bell Tower, and the bridge so beautiful that even Adolf Hitler couldn't bring himself to destroy it "Ponte Vecchio".