It rained overnight so everything was wet when we left Val di Pozza this morning. But before we were long on the road, a rainbow appeared. I haven’t seen a rainbow in ages. Now I don’t believe in omens, but it sure was a lovely sight. And a beautiful rainbow just makes you think God is smiling,
Chris was taking me and the British ladies to Pisa to go on to our next destinations. It was a bit out of the way for me, but no matter. It is easy to find a taxi from the Pisa airport to Viareggio, the largest beach town in Tuscany. It’s on the west coast about 70 miles west of Florence.
I am staying at Residence Esplanade, a beautiful hotel just two blocks from the sea coast. I can see the waves when I walk out the front door of the hotel. So the first thing I did when I got here was to go exploring. I figured it would be easier going at sea level than where I’ve just been in the mountains, but I was wrong…
I took off walking with a map and it was much more exerting than I thought. I walked and walked and walked some more, then I stopped for a late lunch. I got a “mixed fried fish” since I was desperately hungry for some protein. It was quite good – but consisted of prawns with heads on (not deveined!), lots of squid and lots of mini baby octopi. Overall, very tasty, but a bit of a surprise. I wasn’t deterred… I like surprises.
Back at the hotel, I put my key in the door…
Now let me tell you, this is a key!
It is SO heavy that most people drop it off at the front desk when they are going out because they don’t want to carry it! I LOVE this key! I can’t wait to draw it in my sketchbook. I’m such a sucker for details like this.
So here I am in Viareggio for the week. It is supposedly a throwback to the 1950s as far as beach towns go. It is still plenty warm – I about roasted to death when I walked out earlier today. And when I went to the tourist office and said, “oh, geez, it is so hot!” the girl turned to me and said, “NO! it is not hot at all! You should be here in summer if you want to know hot!” Well, I guess I’m here at just the right time!
Sep 25, 2012 @ 20:00:52
Three posts in one day? I think you’re finding a little more time on your hands now that you’re on your own and not in class.
So while you were enjoying your warm afternoon (and eating the most torturous and disturbing lunch ever, I might add) I enjoyed my favorite kind of Ohio day. Cloudy, grey, and threatening to rain. It finally did rain, but not much. And Mom, you know me well enough to know that I’m not joking. I really do love this weather best of all. Maybe someday I’ll get to go on my dream vacation to England!
Sep 25, 2012 @ 22:01:52
Hello! Just wanted to let you know that I have been reading every day and enjoying all of it! I am so glad you are finally getting to make a dream come true! How long are you planning on staying? Keep up all of that walking and soon it will be a breeze. : ) I’ll bet the food is fabulous – even with the unexpected lunch!
Enjoy!
Vicky
p.s. Lamar is laughing about all of my exclamation marks. haha
Sep 26, 2012 @ 06:26:13
Sweet key in this day of disposable credit card entry devices. Looks like a blue shuttlecock that isn’t easy to lose which I am sure is the point!
Sep 26, 2012 @ 17:37:57
I agree with Billy D about the key. I’d find a way to bring that home! How long are you staying? If you wrote about coming home, I’ve forgotten it already. (Portare un bello, uomo peloso a casa con lei.)
Sep 26, 2012 @ 18:38:34
Hi Jeanie! You Italian devil, you! I hope to stay until mid-December. For now I am booked through October. It all depends on the money supply… and the wine budget…
Sep 28, 2012 @ 09:29:11
Maybe I will sneak over and join you. I could use a getaway, some girl talk, and some wine. I was very close yesterday to booking a trip to Omaha, but only because it is familiar to me. I just want to be away from here, be able to swim, and I’m open to whatever else.