Pisa and the beach

Bet you didnt know there was a beach at Pisa - neither did we until someone mentioned they had been there and it was great! First we went to Pisa itself, the leaning tower really is something to see, and just for extra credit they have some other wonderful buildings in the complex - the cathedral and bapistry. Beautiful marble buildings - we paid to go in the duomo (cathedral) which had magnificent decorations. Little M declared it the highlight of the whole trip - pretty impressive when competing with the beach for a 6 year old. She was very taken with the tower, really really really wanted to climb it, most dashed when parents wouldnt part with the cash or queue! She is now proud owner of piece of tourist paraphenalia showing the complex and has practiced her show and tell on us many times. Had to agree given I had let J buy a model of Eiffel Tower in Paris!! At least they are cheap - and treasured!
The on to the beach!! Great beach, especially if you ignore the hideous overdevelopment ON the beach, and I do mean ON it. Gold Coast has nothing on this. Strange experience because it was out of season (why we cuold afford it)- so no pool etc - and nobody there but its obviously super busy in season, be absolutely hideous - if you want to see it in its full glory try the following http://anteprima.grapho.it/default_intro2.asp, we were staying in the concrete tower!! Anyway room was all very civilized and we thoroughly checked out the local restaurants - now even more thoroughly sick of delicious pizza than before!! We have come back to have some non-Italian food.

J had a ball for his birthday at the beach, we reckon he spent about 6-7 hours on the beach, swimming, sandcastle building, more swimming and wave jumping. Bliss! He is in no doubt that the beach was the highlight of the trip and can we come again really soon. Happy boy. Parents slobbed around, tried to walk up beach but constantly thwarted by children who plunged into the sea as soon as we went anywhere near the beach. Lots of books read, so quite pleasant - tho I am reading 'Grapes of Wrath' and R drew the line at that, had to buy a new book he was so desperate. Back to extremely busy work, and on to the next trip - M goes to Atlanta at the end of November.