Under a Tuscan Sun

Utilising some time sitting on the train to Assisi to write the blog while Elizabeth knits poppies for us to wear on ANZAC Day. This is part of a campaign for 5000 handmade poppies to be displayed in Federation Square on ANZAC Day - we will have our own little link to Australia.

Since the last post the amazing experiences have continued - we left Sorrento to visit Pompei before heading on to Florence (our pick of Italian cities so far).

Stepping stones in Pompei street

Plaster cast of Pompei victim

Pompei was everything we expected and more. Again to actually walk in the streets that we learnt about in history classes and see the images in real life was mind blowing. We decided to hand over money for a guided tour and thought we may almost be bilingual by the end of the tour as the guide (who was excellent) explained things in English and Italian. The stepping stones across the street, the water pipes under the footpath, the fountains to control the water pressure - it is amazing the foundations of many technologies we use in modern cities found in the first century city. Not sure what it means that one of the best preserved sections or 'highlights' is the red light district. In history like advertising 'sex sells'. The other thing we knew but didn't really appreciate was how small the people of Pompei were - we are no giants but we certainly felt like it in comparison to the plaster casts.

Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Florence

On to Florence where we easily discovered 'The Nest' - our accommodation for a few days. In a lovely area with handy ristorante and supermarket and welcoming chocolates and vino - what a delight. Recharged the next morning we headed to Sunday morning mass at Santa Maria del Fiore - what a cathedral! Apparently the Bishop of Florence set about building the biggest Roman Catholic cathedral in the world because Pisa had an impressive Cathedral (at the Leaning Tower which we visited later). Being like warring siblings (which still seems to continue - nothing is different the world over - think Bundaberg and Maryborough when I was growing up) they had to outdo each other. We were able to follow Mass in Italian, although most of the time we responded in English. The Parish bulletin provided the readings in English and the American priest gave an English message at the end. We were duty bound to explore the city - visit David and the Ponte Vecchio as well as dream about leather jackets etc. A trip out to Pisa to again visit the sights, take a bus tour around and have some time at of all things - a garden expo with entertainment. Not the usual entertainment however the dancers and performers dressed up in the colourful costumes throwing the flags around. It was amazing all the various flowers for sale which looked the same as our Australian ones - begonias, impatiens, hydrangeas, daisies. Stihl also had a stand with mowers and whippersnippers - not sure what they would have to mow. It must be a huge status symbol in Italy - if you have enough lawn that you need a mower you are rich because we have seen very little of it in the cities. Maybe they were for the farmers visiting Pisa.

Pisa cathedral and tower with the very green grass

Lucky I've been working out!

Off to the train station again for the adventure that is buying tickets to find our way around and manage to get the tickets and get on the correct train. 


Actually the time sitting still on the train traveling through the Tuscan countryside is a welcome break from a fairly hectic few days. The countryside is simply stunning and so picturesque. I'm sure Assisi will provide more amazing memories. Just had our tickets checked by the conductor which answered our question because up to now it seemed to be an honour system - no one checked anything to Pisa yesterday. We also know we are on the right train.