Pisa - November 3

k:
Pisa is a really small place. I never knew that until we read it in the Lonely Planet book, and never realised just how small we're talking until we were there. Our goal for Pisa was just to get in, see the tower and get out. Move on to bigger things. That's just what we did. We spent those extra couple of hours in Rome, and so Pisa really had to be just a quick stop for us. I was okay with that though. We got off the train, checked our bags and walked about 15 minutes and there it was. I thought the tower was beautiful, I did, but it was a little harder for me to enjoy it while I was worried about the time. The other buildings around it were beautiful too, but it was a little too dark to see as much detail as I would have liked. After a few goofy pictures and a couple of normal ones, I was ready to head back to the station to make extra sure we were there on time. Eric doesn't play it like that. 
I can say this stuff because we both know it's true. I am a map, schedule, "what time is it?" and "leave room for error" kind of person. Eric is an "enjoy every single second we have in this wonderful place", and a "I'm pretty sure it's this way" kind of person. Neither is worse or better than the other, I'm just saying that's the way it is. However, lucky for us, I am the "get every single picture you can before we have to leave" kind of person and he is the "language is no barrier, I'll stop and ask someone for directions" kind of person. So the two of them eventually balance out. I am willing to spend a few extra minutes somewhere while he enjoys it, because I know he's getting enough pictures to satisfy me when we look at them later. Then when we've spent a few minutes too long, I start to freak out because we are not following the schedule or the map, but Eric is willing to stop and talk to someone who knows very little English and ask for directions. Then he is also willing to run all the way to station and get our bags before the place closes, to make up for lost time.
Along with all the fun times, our trips are always rich with opportunities for both of us to learn patience. It always works out though. He always manages to get us there on time, and I eventually always forgive him for making me so stressed and tired in the process.


e:

I loved Pisa! The square where the tower is, is so clean and well kept. For the first time we saw nice grass around something historical. High quality, well manicured green. And there was no graphite. It was a short visit. Katherine already mentioned the adventure getting back to the train station. We cut it close, but pulled through. Every minute in Pisa was well worth it. I’ll go back again for a longer stay next time I’m in the neighborhood.