Lean on me...

Oh dear dear Pisa how you have arrived at perfect timing (well us, since you live here and all). Pisa actually takes less than a day to see so its a perfect stop to relax and recover from the get up and go mentality that the two of us have been running on. Jimma unfortunately felt sun drained and overwhelmed with the heat therefore sweet Pisa stepped in to save the day! As its been the most relaxing day!

We found our hostel with relative easy took in the cool air and some water and sauntered (seriously because it takes 20 minutes sauntering) across the entire town of Pisa to where the famous tower leans. Behold it leans! (no we didn't doubt that it did however it is interesting to see) I was surprised to see the tower was surrounded by the Duomo (cathedral) along with other buildings as most pictures show only the tower (with people holdin' their hands out to prevent it's fall). We wandered around town for a while and deciding that some time out of the sun and some clothes washing must be done (you'd never think two people would be so excited about washing clothes!) While hanging out in the hostel we met this lovely couple from Australia who have been traveling for 4 months and still have 3 to go! A soul searching/mid-life crisis at a young age as they put it. Along with them we found the BEST pizza in town as our dinner (none but James could finish his share) in this cute off the street cafe from which our full bellies need some time to recover!

Thus as the sun began its descent from the sky we set out again to observe this curious tower within the cloak of night. We were told that the sight is magnificent with light that lit its features for all to see and ravel in. Never believe the words that people say (well you can just take caution because one person's life changing sights are not necessarily someone else's). The sight of the tower at night was beautiful and calming. We sat and read for awhile under its it's dim glow but imagine looking up and seeing a tower that is silver against the midnight blue sky shimmering above you and enveloping you in its magnificence. Be that as it may it is a sight to behold and cherish in.

The night slowly tugged at our sleepiness and sent us forth for a nice shower and much needed sleep as tomorrow another country and thus adventure awaits us!

Land (well building) of a thousand steps

Best thing about a train ride is when they offer plugs so you can listen to music without draining your battery. Therefore here is L.E.O.'s maiden voyage!!! (For some odd reason I associate L.E.O. with ships alas as I do not know why.) It's a good thing because we were starting to think we only brought him for pictures (which he doesn't mind one bit). Onward to Florence (which is nothing like its Italian name, Firenze) I wonder what awaits us...
New best thing when you can find your hostel without turning down a wrong street! Now unto Florence and the wonders it holds. Armed with a map an water (lots of water) we started on our journey throughout Florence and can I say we make every minute count. Our destination the Pizzale Michelangelo (which rumor has is the best view of the city). Along our journey we check out the mercato centrale, the Basislica of San Lorenzo (that should have been L.E.O.'s first name), the Cathedral of S. Maria del Fiore, Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery and over the Pante Vecchio finally towards our last stretch up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. To be clear it is a hike in 90 degree weather and at the top there is no shade but the view is simply amazing as all of Florence laid before us. Some things capture your attention while others capture your heart! Technically the later happened but never fear the sight does take your breath away in a splendid way. Needless to say the hike an four bottles of water where well worth laying our eyes upon it.
Random question what is it about the phrase y'all that makes people want you to repeat it over and over again?
So next thing (after gelato because let's face it I take after my mother and am addicted to ice cream and Italy makes the best ice cream ( Blue Bell gives it a run for its money though)) a quick change and off to tour through gorgeous churches!
Do you know how many steps it takes to get to the top of the Dome in Florence? Well we don't either but I'll tell you it's quite a few and then some. (Update from Jimma: about 460 steps according to google) I felt like I was in a dungeon (well on my way to a dungeon) with the fun steep steps and tight spiral stair cases that frankly never seemed to end. The art work however is exquisite on the. bottom of the dome and when you reach the top on the outside the view is amazing (probably better than the Piazzale Michelangelo). The buildings were so close and yet so far below you (and the people looked like ants so you felt like you could rule them all! not really but it's a thought, not really on that either, maybe I should read less Empire capturing books). All you can really do is inhale deeply and enjoy the moments you are given. All day I have seen things (some slightly inappropriate things) that I just know my brother would like (not that Chad wouldn't but he is a bit classier lol) and it makes you realize how important all moments are because you never know when one will really matter.
After feet soaked in the pool (sandals through Europe may not be my smartest plan, yes I brought real shoes but I'm stubborn and don't want to wear them all of the time) and some nice conversations (plus a bit of Internet time) we give blessings and sweet thoughts to Florence and anticipate Pisa in the morning! Farewell dear readers as you never know what tomorrow may bring!

Ahhh!!! We're Sinking! :)

O Venice - the city that's sinking, the city of Venician masks and gondolas, the city of so many confusing canals and bridges (that makes finding your hostel a challenge like none other), the city of well... Tourism. O Venice - the city we love!

We had such a good but Hott day in Venice! We arrived off the morning train from Milan where we spent 3 hours being avid readers. Straight off the train you immediately see the beauty of Venice from its murky blue water to the italian buildings of yellows, oranges, pinks to the boat cars docked along the canal. Such a beautiful sight.

We have kinda a routine when we arrive in a town to find our hostel because neither of us really want to carry our bag. However the bridges and canals proved to be a bigger challenge then our non map carrying selves could tackle. So after some determined wandering and an intense work out we finally bought the map to take us there. Upon arrival the hostel was on a brief cleaning lock out do we set down with Minnesota girls and chatted. Until our new British Australian guy friend came up. Matt must be included in this lovely blog only for the fact of how sweet he was but also how much he was totally into the bubbly red head. My favorite quote of the whole conversation had to be when he laughingly informed Kyndall that if she ever went to Australia the boys would flock all over her and she would have to beat them with a stick to get them to go away. Multiple times. (Speaking from some internal feelings for her I am sure ;) ) What can we say a Texan girl is as Hott as British/Australian accents are to us!

But alas you did not come to read of the humorous account of Matt, you came for Venice so let us return. St Mark's Basilica was absolutely gorgeous! Italians sure do know how to build beautiful churches. It is right off the main canal of Venice and is just grand and so much detail. We also enjoy some time over looking the grand canal and taking beautiful pictures. Of course we were super Hott and tried so we decided to shop a little. The Masks of Venice were super unique and fun to see all the takes on. And I promise if Kyndall and I weren't on week 1 of 3 the Venician glass would of been my down fall.

After a break from the sun, we of course took part in round 2 of gelato. So yummy. These flavors weren't our favorites but still amazing! Then we enjoyed a peaceful break at one of the bridges sitting on the canal edge watching the sun set and the boats go by. Such a relaxing site.

Our night was mainly complete; however, we took our brief internet break during the middle of the Euro2012 game in our hostel reception. Such a great cultural moment.

Venice, you have been nothing but grand but alas Florence calls to us. Time to go find what those HUF kids think is so special. :) Until next time here's the photo version of Venice.