Author: Nick

On Sunday we explored Florence before picking up a rental car for the drive to the Pedders’ new villa.

Just near our hotel we found Il Duomo di Firenze
(Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore): We had too little time to brave the crowds to
get inside.  Maybe next time!  (See more)

On we went toward the Piazza della
Signoria and the river

South of the river we worked our way
up to Piazzale Michelangelo
who?
The piazzale, on high ground, is
famed for its views of the city:In the gardens near the piazzale:Then we worked our way back down
across the river to pick up our rental car.Above is a wooden door, hidden among
the stones.  We did not notice these until
one opened and a man passed through.

Around noon we picked up the rental
and drove south to the Pedders’
Simon was to arrive on Wednesday but
Christie was a fine hostess. After lunch
she took us out for some wine tasting,
touring and dinner!

Next morning we drove to Pisa where we
returned the rental car and engaged a
private tour driver to show us the local
sites before driving us to the boat:

They have a tower there that was
built without a firm foundation
and without proper consideration
of ground conditions.