St Brigid’s
College’s tour of Italy is halfway through, but the excitement levels
have been at a constant peak since day one, with new challenges and adventures
presenting themselves every day.
The start of the Italian week, Monday, offered the intrepid travellers the opportunity
to climb the famous La Torre Pendante, more commonly recognised in Australia
as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Arriving at Pisa at midday, the group noted with surprise how much shorter and
thicker the building appeared, to what had been expected. Nevertheless, everyone
was excited at being able to climb such an iconic symbol of Italy.
The students, parents and teachers split into smaller groups, ready to climb
sat separate, allocated times. While not climbing, there was the nearby Baptistery,
the Duomo and the Camposanto to admire, as well as the many markets lining the
streets at which to shop.
Even though the lean was obvious to notice when standing outside the tower,
the prominence did not become evident until the actual ascent. Each group climbed
the marble stairs, worn and indented from hundreds of other people before them.
The higher up the tower they got, the more lopsided they had to walk to keep
balanced. The feeling of walking on a constant slope was unusual, and tired
out the students sooner than ordinary stairs would have.
However, this was worth it in the end, when they finally reached the top. The
view was fantastic. There was not only the Duomo, and other significant buildings,
to look out for, but also the hundreds of tiny houses that complete Pisa in
the distant, blotting the landscape, and the marvellous Alps in the background.
The scene was breathtaking, and every person was thrilled at successfully climbing
the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Going down again, everybody was extremely careful on the marble stairs, suddenly
aware of what a fall it could be.
The experience of Pisa, and its tower, was definitely a highlight of the tour
so far.
Compared to such a busy day on Monday, Tuesday was much more relaxed. The day
began with a quick look at the markets, before a visit to the Florence Duomo.
The Duomo began creation in 1296, and was completed in the 19th century, and
had hundreds of years of detail to get lost in.
This cultural experience was followed by one of a different variety: a visit
to modern day art forms – shops like Dolce and Gabbana, Dior, Tiffany
and Co, Burberry, Armani, and many more.
The shopping wasn’t too probable – they’re only students after
all! They’re not rich! – but the experience was fascinating.
It was then off to the Pontevecchio. This is the most famous bridge in Florence,
and the only one that wasn’t bombed in the Second World War. One story
tells that Hitler ordered that nobody could destroy such a historic item. Another
suggests that someone denied Hitler, and refused to bomb it. Either way, it
survived, and still stands as a monument today.
The afternoon was relaxed, and included painting the view from the fifth floor
terrace, and yet more shopping.
The tour group’s last night in Florence was fun, and everyone indulged
in an early night to bed.
Now, as the second half of the Italy trip approaches, the students have only
one thought: what next?