7. Livorno, Jan 13

Day in Livorno and last night in Pisa

Wanted to go to Viareggio beach and the home of Puccini,

But arrived at the train station just as they were leaving.

Decided to change my plans and check out Livorno for fun

I was disappointed by the industrial city and the slums,

In Pisa shop keepers daily wash the windows & sweep the streets.

In Livorno, the windows were filthy and the streets not so neat.

I saw laundry hanging out of windows on the Plaza

And traffic was flying right past ya.

I tried to find the sea, but only found the shipping yard,

I found the ancient fortress, “No one allowed” said the guard.

I decided this day was a bust,

And quickly backtracked my way to leave….that’s a must!

I thanked God that I didn’t lease the apartment in town,

For this is not my favorite place, I give it a thumbs down!

I found a garden park on the main via too

What sadly was once an 19^th century zoo.

The cages were barren, except for chickens and geese,

Graffiti was everywhere as well as the police.

Found the train station, I hope I am not late,

‘Thank God, had only 10 minutes to wait.

Thought we passed Camp Darby and the buildings all yellow,

I still haven’t heard about my appointment from that fellow.

After seeing the area, I don’t feel quite right,

Not my trip highlight!

Back to Pisa and you can see the change,

I rather like being in this range.

The population is 90,000 the students  more than half,

 fashionable high energy people that know how to laugh.

Decided to splurge and have a pizza with olives and a beer.

The flavor was so sweet

People walking their dogs at night

Families out with children getting gelato

Wanted one, fellow was great.

Had a macadamia like nothing I have ever tasted.

I noticed that the food has so much flavor

That you eat less

And no wonder the people here are not fat,

The y walk everywhere or ride bikes.

I eve see older women on motor scooters.

And, PITA wouldn’t do well here,

Most older women have fur coats to their knees

The other fashion is black quilted poofy coats,

They are everywhere. As well as boots galore,

Women wear tights no matter what size

Came back to the Hotel Victoria to pack for my last night

Thanked the wonderful hotel clerks, Guisi, Nicola, Elizabet & Michela

They have been so helpful and pleasant