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Pisa
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First pic of Italy. This is Imperial taken from the train
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There are towns all along the route into Genova
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Traveling by train is THE way to see Europe
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Interior of the first class coach
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Welcome to Pisa.
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My angle makes the tower almost look upright
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You can see the lean here
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The bell tower was completed in 1372 and began to lean even before it was finished. It is one of three structures of the Cathedral of Pisa. The Cathedral in the background is undergoing renovation
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Had pizza(nice thin crust, not loaded with all sorts of crap) at this place then it was back to the station to catch the next train to Rome
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The Arno River on way back to station in Pisa
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Rome here we come. A three hour fast ride. Runs on conventional track not built for high speed so it only gets up to maybe 125 mph
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I lucked out, got an upgrade. One of two penthouse rooms. Nice view of Rome at dusk
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One week completed, only 4 more to go!
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Here is the morning view before I head out to the top sights on this Wed.
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First on the list, the Coliseum where brutal action occurred sort of like American football or ice hockey
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The floor is gone. You are looking at the basement where the animals and victims were kept until their time in the arena. So long Charlie!
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Resembles the Oakland Ca. Arena. Guess that's why the Raiders moved to Vegas!
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Don't you know this place stunk with all that blood, guts, etc
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Speaking of stinking, it's getting warm and I've already walked 2 miles. Time to shed the jacket
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Next few just different angles
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More
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Had enough?
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Arch of Constantine erected in 315 commemorates Emperor Constantine's battle in 312. It sits between the Coliseum and the Forum. It was also the finish line for the marathon at the 1960 summer olympics. Oh yeah, I remember that, sure I do.
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Next to the Coliseum is the Forum which was where the major government functions were performed with various buildings and temples
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Arch of Titus. 82AD. Commemorates Roman victory over Jerusalem
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Detail, Arch of Titus
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Basilica Aemilia 179AD. This was a huge building. This is just the remains of the ground floor. There were two more stories in similar size above this ground level
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Temple of Saturn, I think, 497 BC
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Temple of Vesta, date unknown
