Ilene Dover

Today (Friday) we found the tower in Pisa is still leaning. It took us forever to get that iconic photo, but worth it at the end. We were allowed to walk up the tower, which was really weird because it was on a lean, and some steps were easier than others. There were 294 steps (we know because Papa always tells us before we go - wish he would tell us after, sometimes) but we made it! Gasping, of course, but it was an incredible view, as always. One downside to Italy in particular is all of the gypsies, or black street vendors, as Papa calls them. They are everywhere, and always wanting to sell you an umbrella, a genuine leather Gucci bag (for 30 euros) or scarves. We even got asked, 'You pretty ladies want to buy a watch?' Bek and I were in fits of giggles for so long afterwards - Papa kept asking us what was so funny and we couldn't even tell him for ages.

We had a long drive to Venice after Pisa, and took in the sights of Tuscany as we went. After about 3 1/2 hours we got to Venezia (Venice) and it is beautiful. Of course. We are staying in a little town just before Venice called Mestre, because Papa says it is way too expensive to stay actually in the city. We had a brief rest before going out for the night in Venice - so amazing. Apparently if you haven't seen Venice by night, you haven't seen Italy. We've seen Italy. The lights on the water are so pretty, and everything is dark and romantic and peaceful. (Different in the daytime) We had to drive across the only road to Venice, and then Giuseppe dropped us off at the harbour to catch the busboat to the actual city. Papa told us the whole city is built on wooden sticks and natural islands, and sometimes it floods with the high tides - only every so often. It is apparently awful in summertime, as the tide is low and the algae gets cooked by the sun, so stinking out the city. Papa doesn't really like Venice. But we do, just not as much as some places, so we are still his children. Venice has some seriously good gelati, just saying.

We had another 5 course meal, but it just wasn't the same without Francesco. Getting easier to fit it in, though, but not so much fitting into our pants. As Papa loves to say - Italy is the worst place to be on a diet. The drive back was lovely and so pretty - just wish the photos turn out at nighttime. We get to see the city all day tomorrow, so that will be amazing as well!

Love,

Bek and Belle