2016-07-19 Porto Molo Mediceo, Livorno, Italy

This morning we leave the Tangaroa and with a rental car we plan to drive inland and revisit a few of our favourite Tuscan towns
This morning we leave the port with a rental car, to drive inland and revisit a few of our favourite Tuscan towns
As we leave town we pass one of the many churches in Livorno
As we leave town we pass one of the many churches in Livorno

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The statue of Grand Duke Ferdinand III on Piazza della Republica
The statue of Grand Duke Ferdinand III on Piazza della Republica
While driving you have to be aware of the incredible number of motor bike riders in Livorno
While driving you have to be aware of the incredible number of motor bike riders in Livorno

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Once out of Livorno and heading towards Florence on the highway on either side there are acres and acres of rich farming land
Once out of Livorno and heading towards Florence, on either side of the highway there are acres and acres of rich farming land
What initially looked like snow on the tall mountains in the distance, we found out later that it was actually white marble
What initially looked like snow on the tall mountains in the distance, we discovered later that it was actually white marble!!
Fields and fields of sunflowers make a colourful display along the highway
Fields and fields of sunflowers make a colourful display along the highway
We arrive in Florence and enter the old part of the town and park the car
We arrive in Florence and enter the old part of the town and park the car
By foot we set off for a walk along the River Arno which flows through Florence
By foot we set off for a walk along the River Arno which flows through Florence

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The Ponte Santa Trinita
The attractive Ponte Santa Trinita
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The Ponte Santa Trinita is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world
From the Ponte Santa Trinita one has a great view of the famous Ponte Vecchio
From the Ponte Santa Trinita one has a great view of the famous Ponte Vecchio

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The Ponte Vecchio was first built over the river Arno in 966, then rebuilt after a flood in 1345
The Ponte Vecchio was first built over the River Arno in 966 and then rebuilt after a flood in 1345
Since ancient times on either side of the Ponte Vecchio were shops and since the late 1500's only gold and jewellery shops are allowed on the bridge
Since ancient times on either side of the Ponte Vecchio were shops of all kinds however since the
late 1500’s only gold and jewellery shops are allowed to trade from the bridge

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As we have been to Florence a few times we decided to continue on our little excusion
As we have been to Florence a few times we decide to continue on our little excursion

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Fortunately we found a parking spot by the ancient city walls
Fortunately we found a parking spot by the ancient city walls a few streets from the river
Ric was keen to then go to Marina di Pisa where the Arno river enters the sea. He had heard there were places here one could lift and storage boats over winter
Ric was quite keen to go to Marina di Pisa where the Arno River enters the sea. He had heard there were places here where one could lift and store boats over winter. Although the location would have been great however unfortunately the place looked unsuitable for the Tangaroa
Near the entrance to the Arno River there is a small fishing community
Near the entrance to the Arno River there is a small fishing community
A number of tiny wooden stilt houses have been errected on rock piles near the entrance to the river
A number of tiny wooden stilt houses have been erected on rocks near the entrance to the river
Huge dip nets have been constructed by each of the houses
Huge dip nets have been constructed from each of the houses
These huge nets are conveniently lowered into the water to catch fish moving between the river and the sea
These huge nets are conveniently lowered into the water to catch fish moving between the river and the sea

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Nearby the fishermen sell their fresh hauls!!
Nearby the fishermen sell their fresh hauls!!
As the town of Pisa was nearby how could we not visit the 'leaning tower'!!
As the town of Pisa was so close by, how could we not revisit the ‘leaning tower’!!
Piazza dei Miracoli
Piazza dei Miracoli in the foreground
The Catedrale de Pisa
The Cattedrale de Pisa, with the famous tower in the background
The amazing "Leaning Tower of Pisa"
The amazing 55 metre high “Leaning Tower of Pisa” which is over 5 metres off perpendicular

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Ric joining most of the other visitors attempting to support the tower!!
Ric joining most of the other visitors at the site, attempting to support the tower!!
This is a new pose!!!
This is a new pose!!!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was first started to be built in 1173 and eventually completed in the 1300's. If it was not for the delay and the earth under it compacting over that time, it is believed the tower would have eventually fallen over!!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was first started in 1173 and eventually completed in the 1300’s. If it was not for the delay and the earth under it compacting over that time, it is believed the tower would have eventually fallen over!!
After our enjoyable trip we drive back to Livorno south of Pisa
After our enjoyable trip we drive back to Livorno, south of Pisa
We arrive back at the port and decide to stop at La Volta for dinner before returning to the Tangaroa
We arrive back at the port and decide to stop at La Volta for dinner before returning to the Tangaroa
From the restaurant area we could catch a glimpse of the Tangaroa and our Australian owned neighbour, Volpini
From the restaurant area we could see the Tangaroa and our Australian owned neighbour, Volpini
Ric orders a very pleasant red wine, as usual
At La Volta, Ric orders a very pleasant Sicilian Nero d’Avola vino rosso
Shellfish and Pasta is my choice tonight
Shellfish and Pasta is my choice tonight
Ric orders the gamberi and pasta
Ric orders the scampi and pasta
A couple of decadent desserts were ordered to share!!
A couple of decadent desserts were ordered to share!!

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Sunset over Marina Molo
Sunset over Porto Molo Mediceo

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