A New Angle on Italy

Arriving in Pisa, we were amazed to find that the Italians have been doing some incredible conservation and restoration on the Tower.  Concerned that it was continuing to tip, they have worked very hard to shore up the subsiding end.  Unfortunately, as with the orginial mistake, this has resulted in them over compensating and straightening the building.  They were worried that this would destroy a million dollar tourist industry but were somewhat relieved when they found that the nearby Cathedral had begun to tip as a result of the excavation.  They are now re-doing all souveneirs to show the Straight Tower of Pisa and the Leaning Cathedral.  We were really excited to be amongst the first tourists to be experience and photograph the new sight.

The Tower and adjacent buildings have been beautifully restored and gleam white in the sunshine.  (Note the blue sky!  We've been very lucky lately with the weather.) You can still climb the tower - which we did, after figuring out what my guide book called the "Machivellian Ticketing System" - the huge, cold marble steps wind around the inside of the tower to two viewing platforms and the roof - we imagine this would have had a distinct slope in the past.  From the top is an amazing view over Pisa, the Cathedral and the Baptristry.  The inside of the Cathedral was gold and glittering and covered with paintings on every square inch. The effect is overwhelming but strangely beautiful.  We also tried to visit the Jewish Cemetry that was unexpectedly attatched to the site, but it was closed.

We were pleased to see that Italy is embracing multiculturalism as can be seen in our photo of various people practising Tai Chi in the grounds of the cathedral.



We took a slightly more convoluted route back to Florence than intended but still found time to wander through the shops in the fading light.  Uffizi is on tomorrow's agenda and hanging out with Dave.  (Oh dear - our feet are cringing at the prospect...)