Our Amazing Race

One of our favorite shows of all time has been The Amazing Race. On this show, teams of two race around the world trying to reach designated destinations while accomplishing tasks, overcoming roadblocks, encountering detours, while all along trying to enjoy the ride. Here is the story of our Amazing Race.

DAY 1

After a long day/night of airports and airplanes we landed in Pisa, Italy. Our first DETOUR was to visit The Leaning Bell Tower. After minimal searching we found the city bus stop and hopped aboard. Fifteen minutes later we stepped off the Linea Rossa line in front of the Pisa Cathedral.

Our first TASK was to take a classic picture holding up or leaning against the tower.

The Cathedral, Baptistery and Bell Tower were beautiful. The white marble was striking next to the green lawn and the old stone walls surrounding the grounds. It was amazing standing next to this tower that was almost 1000 years old.

Then we were off to successfully navigate our way to Pisa’s Central Station and purchase train tickets to Florence. Although we were eventually able to complete this TASK successfully . . . we learned many lessons along the way.

1) Not all automatic ticket machines accept credit cards, even fewer give you change.
2) If you make the mistake of purchasing your first ticket with cash on a machine that doesn’t give change, you get to purchase your second ticket by standing in line to redeem your change voucher at the window.
3) Don’t make the mistake of getting on the train after merely purchasing your ticket. You must first read the tiny print on the back of the ticket instructing you to validate it by punching it at the platform. Otherwise, you receive a €5 fine per ticket (plus a stern lecture) when the conductor comes to check your ticket.
4) Also DO NOT put your feet up on the seat across from you (even if it is unoccupied and you have been up for 24 hours straight). You may get “the look” from the locals.

Upon arriving in Florence our final TASK (or so we thought) was to walk a few city blocks and check into Hotel Cellai, the PIT STOP for this leg of the race. This was not our best performance – as it is now 11:30pm and we have yet to complete this task.

Once again we learned from or experiences:
1) Do not assume that your GPS works in Italy.
2) Bring a map (just in case #1 is in doubt).
3) Sometimes when you are wandering around the streets of Florence trying to find your hotel . . . it rains.
4) The locals are friendly and if your husband can speak some Italian you can eventually find your hotel without even getting too wet.

Then came the surprise ROAD BLOCK. Upon arriving at Hotel Cellai we found out that our room was under repair and wouldn’t be ready until tomorrow. So they took us by taxi to the San Gallo Palazzo for the night. We made it!

Luckily in our Amazing Race we don’t ever come in last place. Instead we got to enjoy some wonderful pizza, gnocchi and yummy chocolate cake. Today was awesome!! I can’t believe that we are in Italy!

Now, to rest up for the next leg of the race. To be continued . . .