Lean on Me

Beauty and decay enjoy a lucrative marriage in Italy- where every town doubles as a UNESCO world heritage site. Seriously.  

So, naturally when Jason was "invited" to attend a work-retreat  with his office mates,  I thought- what better place for forced conversation and collegial "trust-falls" than in Pisa!  Pun. intended. 

(See what a good time I can be.)

 And to the famed tower we drove.

Was it impressively spectacular?  Yes. I cannot lie. Eowyn climbed the serpentine steps alongside me- with some trepidation. They really are leaning.  But, oh,  the view from the top. Bellissima!

As an unreformed history-nerd, I was nearly levitating with excitement as we toured the infamous baptistry of Galileo fame- which piously sits in the Piazza dei Miracoli.  

And while I found the medieval cathedral (Duomo) to be quite breathtaking, my kids were equally underwhelmed. Caid whined, " We've already been here. Why are we here again?"

subtext: "Because all these old churches look the same."

And Eowyn is still haunted by the shrines of Mary at every turn. (She and Luther) Like a sacred  "elf on the shelf."

So, we promised them indoor bowling.

Okay, and gelato.

Tirennia was the beach town that hosted our camaraderie-building revelry.  What better ice-breaker than stripping down to your bathing suit with the people from your staff meetings for some collegial body-boarding.

"It's nice to meet you John.  Jason has mentioned how much he enjoys working with you. And gosh, what a great speedo! "

Not awkward at all.

So, think of Pisa for your next team-building retreat. The t-shirt writes itself. 

Piazza dei Miracoli

Us and some tres chic photo bombers

I know- I am like Ansel Adams, right?

Leaning strong for 837 years

When in Pisa, you must

Colson is always ready to cage fight. Always.

This cozy scene lasted about 1.3 seconds

"Haven't we been here before"- Caid

A pulpit-circa 1,000 years old

Galileo's Baptistry and someone far cuter than the astronomist 

Typical. Telling

Tirennia -famous for its lack of nudity - Hurray!

Summer of sea glass