It was like going back in time when arriving to Pisa. Not only the historic and magnificent sites and buildings but also the weather. Pisa still has summer in contrast to Scotland where the season has already changed to autumn.
Pisa is well known for its history although the origins of Pisa remain unknown. The Pelasgi, the Greeks, The Etruscans or the Ligurians could have founded the city with historical remains already from the 5th century BC. Very much history is left in this small city of modestly 185km² and a population of around 90 000. Walking by the famous Leaning Tower makes you believe the city inhabits millions of people. Most of these people must how ever be tourists, in consideration to their t-shirts, language and the fact that most of them seem to desire a picture of themselves in front of the tower, pretending to keep the tower from leaning over. Actually even the history of the tower seems to be somewhat unknown since it is not signed by its artist.
The site of the leaning tower, the beautiful white cathedral and the botanic garden is most of the day packed with tourists. Luckily I walked by an early morning right before 8 and could then see the history without the cheesy tourists and the crazy street salesmen trying to sell you fake watches or paint your picture. This early walk made the buildings feel real and somewhat magic in their glory. Being stuck in a crowd of tourists makes me feel like I am at Disneyland and the white stones are just pieces of plastic.
There are how ever more things to do in Pisa as a tourist than just the leaning tower and its surroundings. As a first time tourist visiting, I also tried real Italian pizza (cause how could a pizza really be Italian anywhere else?) and pasta along with espresso. It is also hard not to see the stunning Italian architecture and small little churches wherever you go. Even though the tastes might not be so different, the feeling sure is. Yes, I am in Pisa. Yes I am in Italy. And it is bellisimo!
