Pisa & Florence - Wed June 17

This morning we all left at the same time but on different tours.  Bill, Austin, Andy, and Michelle went on the Pisa Tower climb.  Grandma Barb, Sandy, and I went on the Pisa & Florence city tours.

We all started together at Pisa.  We had time to tour while Andy, Michelle, and Austin climbed the tower.  Bill did not attempt the climb - wisely so.  We grabbed some drinks and took photos on our long walk back and forth to the bus.  See photos below.

Then it was 90 mins on the bus to the valley that is Florence.  And it got HOT there - 99 degrees F.  We took lots of breaks on our walking trip around the town.  Took 2 taxis as well to avoid a 90-min walk to the bus!  

Lots and lots to see in Florence.  We started in the Michaelangelo plaza looking over the city.  Then down to a basilica and then around to the statue of David after a real Italian lunch on the street.

Grandma Barb and I logged 3.9 miles while Sandy logged 5.1 or so.  Why?  She was our lookout - go see what’s ahead and come back with a report.  Something to see?  Let’s go.  Not worth it?  Next.  Needless to say, we took lots of breaks and drank plenty to stay hydrated.  Mom was a trooper, or in Brother Trent’s words, a Champion! 

Back to the boat after 10 hours.  Long day.  Went down for steak dinner and Mom even treated herself to a Pina Colada, for reals!  A reward for herself and well deserved.

Tomorrow is a day at sea.  We are cruising down to Sicily, so no ports of call.  The plan is to teach Pa Bill how to play bid euchre.  I predict I will require plenty of Captain & Cokes!

Enjoy the photos…

The plaza of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower itself

The city of Florence from the top of Michaelangelo Plaza

Lunch on the streets of Florence across from the basilica

Stopping to stay hydrated while walking the streets of Florence.
I think I’ll have just One Beer today.

The Statue of David

Want to see some impressive cathedrals?

The museum where you can see multiple statues - impressive works of art!

More art

The basilica square where we met up for our tours

Sunset selfie from the top of the ship.  Loving Italy!




Comments

  1. Trent SeagerJune 17, 2026 at 4:54 PM

    Thanks for keeping us updated with your daily blog. Impressive history with statues from the 1500s. Beautiful architecture! I can't believe you did all of that in the 99F heat - so props to Sandy for being the scout and helping find the right path and next steps. And Grandma Barb trekking around in the nearly 100F heat - Mulberry will be shocked and impressed! Thanks for the photos, they help paint a picture with your stories and texts. Looking forward to seeing more and hearing about your adventures

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cancun ‘25 - Sat NOV 29

Image
 Wow.  Short night, like 2.5 hrs but that’s still 2 more hours than my bride.  Headed for the airport at 4 am to crystal clear skies under the star-decked canopy of the universe.  Traffic was light and the airport not too crowded.  Ran into Steve & Glenda Clossin who were on the same flight down here.  Seems both families like to take this week as vacation since we meet up quite frequently in the airport. Flight was smooth and we set a standard that can hypothetically be beat but odds are will never:  plane parked at the closest gate to immigration.  We were the only plane arriving and as we walked up, a second line opened up making us the first in line.  From plane to baggage claim was maybe 5 mins.  No lines at the restrooms.  Sandy’s luggage was second off.  And here’s where the improvement can come - my suitcase was second to last off.  Walked out to private taxi and were in the van before Sandy could get her flops...
Read more

Mediterranean Cruise - Day 1 = Travel

Image
 We left Mulberry at 8:30 this morning, Friday, June 12, 2026.  We met Andy, Michelle, Austin, and Bill at the airport.  Check-in and Security were simple and easy.  We were awaiting our flight to New York by 10:30.  Good thing we were not heading to Chicago as everything was delayed due to severe weather (tornados!). We fly overnight to Barcelona and spend the day there before embarking our ship on Sunday.  Out for the next ten days.  Sure to be an adventure! Will keep this blog updated for family and friends who wish to “travel” along with us. The kids stayed home to watch the house and feed the pets and run the puppy whilst we are away - much to their dismay, I’m sure. Me, Sandy, Grandma Barb and Grandpa Bill at gate in Indy airport Austin and Michelle (Andy is in the potty!) Flight out of Indy was delayed by 30 mins or so due to congestion in NY.  Then as we pushed back from the gate in JFK, there was a mechanical issue.  We got that fixe...
Read more

Cancun Day 5 - Thur DEC 4

Image
 One of us got up at 7 while the female side of this partnership slept until 8:30.  We went down to the breakfast buffet because we are going to have a late lunch, because we are having a late dinner at the steak house - reservations at 7 pm and that’s late for us.   We stayed on the kiddie pool deck this morning and for the first time this week there was a steady breeze.  Thank goodness too as it would have been even hotter to lay out in 86 degree F (30 C) weather.  Which, BTW is 80 degrees warmer than home right now!!!  We are going to freeze our little backsides off when we return.  Any sympathy?  Didn’t think so… We called it quits about 4:30 and took showers (plural, much to my dismay).  This was so that we could be in the lobby for the Christmas party and the lighting of the tree at 5.  We did buy a raffle ticket as the resort was raising money for their kids’ foundation.  Prizes included: very expensive bottles of liquor, two...
Read more