Today was an early start. Everyone was looking very tired at our 7 am breakfast. We arrived at the station around about 8am to catch the train to Pisa. We weren’t quiet sure what the weather was meant to be like so we were prepared for anything. When we arrived at Lucca we all hopped off the train thinking we had to catch a different train to Pisa……., but we didn’t, so we all ran back to the original train hoping it wouldn’t leave without us.When we finally arrived in Pisa after an hour and a half trip we had to wake up some sleeping people and then we all hopped off the train and walked towards the piazza where the famous leaning tower of Pisa stood. The first thing we noticed was that the piazza was
full of people, and then we remembered that it was a public holiday in Italy. The day is known as “Festa della Repubblica” where Italy celebrates the day they became a republic. It’s a bit like our Australia day and there were police, military men, nurses, firemen and other people all taking part in a parade.Mrs Giana made sure everyone knew where the meeting point was and made it clear that if we weren’t at the gate to the tower at 12.20 then the people wouldn’t let us up the tower…… but luckily we all arrived on time. Then it was time to take some photos. It was funny seeing so many tourists lined up along the fences pretending to hold up the tower…. But we all had to try it! People moved their hands up and down sideways and crossways just so they were perfectly on the tower. Unfortunately just before we climbed the tower it started to rain.
On the dot of 12.20pm we were lined up and ready to go. As we climbed the stairs, we soon discovered that it was impossible not to lean against the wall because of the “lean” of the tower. We all had to be extra careful as the stairs were a bit slippery both from the rain and because the stairs were so worn out they started to have a dip in them. When we reached the top the view was AMAZING. You could see all of Pisa and out into the surrounding countryside. Some people were a bit scared because of the height so they left quickly while others wanted to stay forever e.g Lonnie and Maddy.
Once we left the tower everyone’s legs felt like jelly. We collected our bags and then it was time for SHHOOPPPPINNG! After everyone had emptied out their wallets and tried to bargain with the stubborn Pisa shopkeepers we all headed for the train. On the trip back to Prato some of our group were very tired and a few even fell asleep, while others were entertained by people on the train.When we returned to our hotel, everyone went to their room to
rest and then at 7.00pm we regrouped for tea! Today was definitely GREAT and climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa fulfilled most dreams!Until next time.. Maddy and LonnieSee you in 7 days!
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