Day 6, Morning in Firenza, Trip to Pisa, Dinner at Vinyard in Tuscany

Started with a shopping tour of Florence, it was Sunday so many shops not open.  The town square (or piazza) was surrounded by a temporary stadium for the annual Florentine football match, unfortunately it finished the day before we arrived.  Florentine football is apparently a mix between soccer, rugby, kick boxing and wrestling, goals are kicked through a narrow “window” above a fence but below head height – if you get a goal they sound a cannon and the team scores a point.  Over head height they take away half a point.  Players are clad in a very heavy costume from traditional times and almost anything goes – the only rule is “there are no rules”.  Santa Croce won the match.

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore in Firenza

Then a trip to Pisa on the coast, to visit the famed leaning tower.  That and the nearby church and baptistery are still clad in the white ‘marble’ of the time and an impressive sight in the sun against the green grass and blue sky.  Our local guide was Roberto, as camp as a row of tents but hilarious commentary. 

Roberto our guide at Pisa with the Basilica and the tower in the back ground

Waiting for the bus at Pisa Wally discovered more derelect planes behind a fence, a F104 Starfighter, Macchi MB326 and an F86 Sabre (see day 5 report as we were leaving Rome).

Then Braedy discovered a Ferrari - you could drive it 10km for 80 Euros!

Tuscany is the surrounding area and it was our fortune to go to a small town called Montecarlo where we had dinner at a wonderful farm where they made wine and olive oil – hot night, outdoor Tuscan setting, plenty of vino and great food.  One of the highlights of the trip so far. 

The bus trip home was entertaining and lively.  The bus driver may have been breath tested and found to be sober however the bus was clearly way over the legal limit.  Lots of music, Caroline and Braedy dancing along with an Aussie dance teacher from Tamworth.  Great trip home.