Just one short week ago we embarked on our own weekend trip to Pisa and Florence hitting two of the Tuscan cities. First stop was Pisa, where we spent the day sketching, walking, and eating. We made our way through the small town to the other side where the tower, baptistery, and cathedral sat. I was overwhelmed by the size of the tower and its immediate relation to the surrounding structures. As I prepared my sketch I noticed how much the tower really did leaned, making construction lines even more complicated. I would consider this to be one of the more interesting set of construction lines I have set up thus far. 

   Using Matt's steps to finding a good restaurant we found success at a pizzeria on the corner of a side street. Checking the steps off the list:

1. There was no tourist menu

2. It was not located on the main road

3. And they spoke absolutely no english

That third one forced me to use the little italian I have picked up in the month we have been in Rome, but it was worth it. Delicious pizza, some would argue it is the best pizza they have had in Italy! 

Next we boarded the train to Florence spending the next day walking all over the city, taking in everything Firenze had to offer. In one day we made it to five churches, three palazzi, three bridges including the Ponte Vecchio, two leather markets, and Giotto's Campanile, climbing 414 stairs to the very top. It was a full day, but easily one of my favorite days in Italy. Florence, similar to Rome, was full of friendly people concerned about our safety and willing to help in whatever way they could. 

This was the incredible view from the top of Giotto's Campanile. The tower reaches the height of 82 meters or 250 feet. 

Returning home to Rome was just what we needed after a packed weekend, but I am thankful for the memories I made in Tuscany!