Day 46 Florence & Pisa

Day 46 – Livorno for Pisa & Florence – Saturday 30/6/12

Weather – Fine and Sunny 26C - 30C (in port, 40C in Florence)

Sunrise – 5.41am

Sunset – 9.04pm

Time difference - minus 8 hours ex Sydney

Piacere di conosceria Pisa n Florence !!!!

The port of Livorno was our gateway to exploring the historic cities of Pisa and Florence. We again elected to do own thing today, but utilised the Princess guided transportation to and from the port.

Another hot day was in store for us. It is quite deceiving when we get the port weather each day, as it is noticeably warmer once away from the port, and the further inland we go, the hotter it is, same as everywhere I guess huh. Still we would rather the fine sunny weather, than the alternative, the whole idea of the northern summer holiday :)

We had about a 30 minute drive from the port to Pisa, and enjoyed our first look at the Tuscany countryside, very nice. Along the way we passed numerous olive farms, and sunflower plantations, and an enormous US military base. The bus parking area is a good 15 minute walk to the Field of Miracles which is home to the fascinating structure of the Leaning Tower, along with the marvellous Duomo and Baptistry. After our SHB photo, no not holding up the tower, and browsing through the many shops and stalls it was back to the bus.

On the trek back there were a couple very aggressive young female gypsies, who were harassing tourists. Apparently the mode of operation is for one to scrag a tourist, whilst the accomplice picks the pocket, or snatches the handbag. Our lady guide spotted them as they started on a woman tourist ahead of us and she gave them the blunt end of a baton. She said later she would have struck the gypsies harder, but they were both carrying babies in arms, so let them off. Talk about above and beyond the call of duty!!!! That made for some light hearted banter as went commenced our one hour trek to Florence.

We did not really have any agenda in Florence, so we decided to have lunch first as we were both starving, and then wander around the city and look at the key landmarks. Lunch was belissimo !!!

Started with a magnificent Bruschetta (take note Kimberley), followed by a Spaghetti with Meatballs (Steve) and Lasagne (Donna). Donna hoed down on the Lasagne, which was a big serve, and everyone who knows Donna, she never eats a big dish, well she did today!! I mentioned my curiosity to Donna that I think its odd that Italian cooks, in Italian Restaurants in Australia just dont cook pasta like they do back in their homeland. Donna's theory, which is probably right, that it is the local produce or something, as the tomato dishes are just soooooo rich and flavoursome.

After lunch we wandered around the city. I think Florence was probably not looking as nice as it usually would today as two of the key piazzas were inaccessible. Piazza St Groce was fenced off as they are building a concert stage, with surround seating for an upcoming concert. Piazza Della Signoria was fenced off as it was full of Ferraris that are involved in some motoring competition. We did the copy of Michaelangelo's David, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, and the Baptistry.

Lots of window shopping also, although I would have to admit that by mid afternoon fatigue was slowing us down significantly. The climb up Mt Vesuvius and hiking around Pompeii on Thursday in 40 degree heat, and then backing up again in the same heat yesterday and walking around Rome for 7 hours was taking its toll. We took refuge in an enormous ice cream shop, until it was time to return to the bus, and the 90 minute drive back to the ship.

Another quiet evening with a couple of drinks and an early dinner. We need to prime up for another big day tomorrow!!!.

At 7pm we cleared off from the berth and retraced our courses out of Livorno Harbour, then set a westerly course towards our next port of call, Cannes. It is only 141 miles to Cannes, so Sun Princess will amble along at about 14 knots through the night. We will anchor half a mile south of Le Vieux Port where the ships tenders will take us ashore.