Justin's Journey

It’s an early start. I decided to take an hour long train to Pisa, west of Florence. Not only it gave me a chance to see the country side a little, yes, the leaning tower! I got to see it with my own eyes. The train ride and the bus the to the plaza was relatively convenient, thanks a couple of locals who were really helpful to give me the direction. When I arrived in the plaza, I was surprised how tilted it is! No, I didn’t take a picture of me trying to hold on to it. Plenty of them did as you can see in some pictures. I also determined to climb up to the top – remember I don’t like height? The climb was weird. I was trying to step on the middle of the steps, but kept leaning to one side or the other. It’s a leaning tower and leaning steps! I can see the wearing of the step is uneven due to the leaning. And the top, and the very top, the view is amazing. I tried not to hold on the outside rail as much as I can. I was shaking but trying to be cool! I quickly climbed down and claimed victory. I also quickly browsed the cathedral with the beautiful paintings/mosaic inside out. I would love to spend more time here but I need to be on time for my train to Rome. So I said good bye and headed back to Florence. The short trip to Pisa was exciting. When I arrived in Florence, I realized that I got some time to take a walk in the Boboli garden. It’s a sunny day with a beautiful view in the garden – another place I wish I have more time to explore. Well, I tried my best! I enjoyed smelling the scent of jasmine as soon as I stepped into the garden. I then took the train to Rome in the afternoon. While reading the tour guide, I realized that I only have a little over a day in Rome, with an early flight back home. I hope I can get to see enough of Rome with the little time I have. The train ride to Rome was pleasant. Hills, houses, and grape fields were passing by. This is my last city before I go home!!!

I arrived Rome in the late afternoon. The last lodging is comfortable and close to the train station. I decided to head out and to check out as much as I can. After some walk, I arrived in the Colosseum. As soon as I arrived in the area, and saw the site, I realized that, the whole place is huge! I knew it’s big but i didn’t expect it to be that huge. After I walked by the Arco di Costsntino, the Roman forum, and other interesting sights in the ares, it’s very clear that there is no way for me to see enough of Rome in one day. That actually relaxed me. I will just explore whatever I get to, and enjoy the atmosphere. After some hunting, I found the pizza place recommended by the owner of the hotel. That’s her favorite place. It’s not a tourist place, which means, English doesn’t work too well. I just follow the suggestion from the waiter and ordered a pizza. Not sure what I ordered until I saw it. It’s eggplant, mushroom, and basil with a very thin crust pizza. It’s delicious and not filling. That’s it for me for tonight. I am heading back for bed!