Pisa and Florence, Italy

Yes, I climbed all 294 steps of this 185 foot Leaning Tower of Pisa - all the way to the bell tower. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a part of Cathedral of Pisa. The other components are the Baptistry (with an intricately designed dome believed to have Islamic influences); the cathedral, the Camposanto (cemetry) and the walls. One of the seven wonders of the medieval world, the architect is unknown. Check out more fascinating information at http://www.opapisa.it/


The Spedale Degli Innocenti, foundling home for infants, was created in 1419. It was the first such home in Europe. The building is now a museum.

Some Florence residents demanding that their voices be heard about the situation in Iran - standing in solidarity with similar protests around the world.

Ponte Vecchio, with its three stone arches, is the oldest, and the only original, of the six bridges across the Arno River in Florence, Italy. Shops on the bridge are mainly goldsmiths and silversmiths.

Will our train from Florence back to Venice, be on time? Not really! The first posted delay was 30 minutes. Eventually it was 2 hours! Announcements were made in both Italian and English, but it took a conversation with a native language speaker to help us learn that the delays were caused by someone committing suicide on the tracks! Whew! May he/she rest in peace!