Trip to Pisa, Italy - Part 1

Athol handed in his 30,000 word thesis last week. So we decided to take a short trip to relax and have a change of scenery. We still have our Schengen visas which are valid until January so decided to take advantage of it. Flights from London to Pisa, Italy are cheaper than a return flight from CT to JHB! We decided to spend four nights in Pisa which is a 2 hour flight from Luton Airport. We caught the bus from Gloucester Green bus terminal in Oxford to Luton Airport, it was a 2 hour trip. It's the first time going to Luton Airport, which is under renovation. It is much much smaller than Heathrow, only one terminal. Most of the low cost airlines fly from here to Europe. We flew with EasyJet. They had an automatic bad drop, the first I've seen. So simple, you weight your checked in luggage yourself, the label gets printed then you put the label onto your bag and hand it to the attendant. We just had to get our SA passports validated at the counter. Through security, there are a few restaurants, there's a Pret a Manger if you want to grab a quick bite.  

Flying into Pisa you see the beautiful Italian coastline.

As it was May Day, there were no buses in operation so we caught a taxi to Via Santa Maria which is the centre of Pisa, 10 minutes from the airport. This is a busy pedestrian only street that leads to the majestic 'Field of Miracles' where the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral and Baptistery are. What a sight! This tower leans at about a 10 degree angle :) funny seeing all the tourists taking pictures pushing the tower :)

This area is extremely busy during the day, the best time is to go in the evening.

Walking along the streets has a real Tuscan feel - it feels like you are at Monte Casino (for those of you in JHB!). So pretty with the colourful buildings and window shutters.