The Leaning Tower of Pisa
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On one
of the full day trips taken with the program we chartered a bus and went to see one of the
most famous international landmarks, The Leaning Tower. The Tower itself is a sight to
see, but once you've seen it . . . well, what to do now? The tower is so precarious
that it is supported by huge steel braces to keep it from toppling over and subdue the
illusion. The obligatory picture with the tower is always a must. (One
important note: Stand at a distance from the tower to create the illusion, as you
are not permitted to actually touch the tower. A friend went to Pisa and we
told her to get a picture "holding up the Tower." She came back and said
she couldn't because it was fenced off!) |
How could I have come all this way without doing it?
With Rina's help, the picture turned out pretty good. |
The Leaning Tower, unfortunately, is pretty much of a tourist trap. The
location is heavily fortified with a troop of vù cumpra, the Italian sidewalk
vendors. The booths surrounding the tower sold everything you could possibly need,
from the expected tower paper weights to a 48" tall tower with a lightbulb inside.
(classy!) Travel guru Rick Steves recommends that you bring a picnic lunch to eat on the
lawn in front of the tower. However, when I visited the lawn was roped off and no
one was allowed on it. Hopefully, this was only a temporary inconvenience for
visitors in Februrary. Overall, I am glad that I saw the tower, but I am also glad
that I did not have to go out of my way to see it. Getting to the tower is probably
more trouble (and expense) than it is worth. Depending on how much value you assign
to that picture in front of the Tower. |
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