It has been several months since I shared photos and wrote about my amazing first trip to Italy.
One of my most memorable and favorite experiences was when I took the train from Florence one morning and had lunch and a few hours in Pisa.
I really wasn’t much interested in going to Pisa, but for my traveling companion it was a must do. I thought it would be a leaning tower- big deal- and a very commercial spot. I was really in for a surprise treat!
After getting off the train we walked through a modern residential neighborhood for about fifteen minutes. It looked like Forest Hills, Queens, or even more like West Hollywood, LA- including the palm trees.
We crossed the main through street to see an enclosure wall built in the Middle Ages. As I walked through the entrance I suddenly saw the enormous, very green lawn of the Campo dei Miracoli (the field of Miracles). The inside of the ancient wall had gargoyles and was worth seeing in itself.
My eyes lifted and there were the Bapistry, the Duomo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was a breathtaking sight.
In contrast to the modern street we had just left here was the spacious, open area with verdant grass and three exquisite, huge buildings. The intricate architectural details include finely constructed facades with arches and columns, panels of colored, creamy and brilliant white surfaces, statues, mosaic paintings and designs, bronze doors.
It is spectacular. My heart opened wide and goes right back to that open space whenever I think of Pisa. My next trip to Italy will definitely include a lot more time in Pisa.
I hope that you enjoy my pictures!
Meryl Chodosh-Weiss 