Pisa

Our first two nights were to be at a 4 star hotel near the station, which would have, of course, been ultra convenient if one was arriving by train. But we weren't and had to use a nearby underground car park. Thibault had booked us two single rooms, and we were rather pleased at reception to be told that we were being upgraded to two "superior rooms". Our pleasure was rather reduced on seeing them. I mean they were fine and functional and did the job, but if they were superior I wouldn't like to imagine what the inferior versions were!

We arrived mid-afternoon which gave us time to go out for a walk around Pisa before dinner. It was a lovely sunny day and the city looked fine in the light of the evening sun. Better than fine. I suspect the only thing almost all of us  know about Pisa is the leaning tower. And that it suffers from hordes of tourists trying to take photos next to it. Well the virus cut down the numbers of tourists for us. But I must say that it is actually a beautiful city to wander around, even without the tower.

Especially beautiful, and for me the real highlight, was the urban riverscape. Possibly the most perfect I have seen anywhere, just because there is not a single eyesore - contrast the Thames for example!

But obviously one cannot visit Pisa without venturing to the leaning tower, which is actually the bell tower to the cathedral

The tower is only one part of the Piazza del Duomo, a beautiful wide open area encompassing the cathedral and baptistery.

After indulging my photographic urges in the setting sun we wound our way back into the city for dinner. Honestly it is a lovely city to walk through.

Dinner was to set a pattern for the holiday - charcuterie starter.

I did make the mistake of going for the fish soup. I fancied something light, but this was not it. Very "meaty" seafood and very little soup