3. Day of arrival - January 7-8

Day of arrival has finally come,

And I am feeling insecure and totally dumb!

What am I doing, where am I going!

Vikki, just get there…it is worth the knowing!

I have waited 45 years for this to happen,

Went through marriage, divorce, college, work and children growin’.

Met my retirement, Lord where have the years have flown.

I feel so old, so out of touch.

Please God, just give me strength ,  a whole bunch!

Isaac drove me to Chicago O’Hare,

Kinda got lost….

Japanese gave us directions, “Terminal 3 ober dare!”

Kisses and hugs at the Sky Cab, suit case checked in, at little cost.

Seven hour flight to London Heathrow.

Slept very little, then had to go.

Ninety minutes of shuttles and lines to and fro’.

Arrival  in Pisa

Two hour flight to Pisa,

Took at cab for ten euro fee-za!

Hotel Victoria, 11^th century built,

Is old & antique to the hilt!

Staff is sweet and oh so accommodating,

Walked and walked the streets that night,

Viewing the passing lovers, kinda hating!

Saldi! Saldi! Was in every window store,

Advertising their sales, incredible galore!

Don’t need a thing, but I certainly looked,

At every dress, button and hook.

Crossing the Anslo, girl from Moscow

Asked if I spoke English

Is it obvious… I ask how?

Found a church with a Mozart concerto for free,

A violinist, organist and guitarist three.

Went back to the hotel room,

To the 4^th floor to shower & groom,

Tried to sleep, but party on the balcony until two,

God, this is like Tucson….I’m doomed!

Earplugs in hand, I slept & awoke for breakfast at eight,

First day in Pisa

Met a woman from Virginia, we talked.. guess it was fate.

Walked to the Plaza Duomo, and bought tickets to the sites,

Climbed the marble steps, lean to the left and then to the right.

I was dizzy as I got to the top,

The steps grew narrow,  I stopped to gawk!

What a view,

I hope I don’t spew!

Visited the cathedrals with carvings and statues,

 How did the artists do it all…I haven’t a clue!

Saw dead saints and fresco paintings,

Crowns & dresses of ladies in waiting.

Went back to the hotel to get a drink,

Reflect on the day, but I am too tired to think!

Called my distant cousin Ricardo in Modena

Said I should stay in Bologna because he is single.

We chatted a bit in broken English & Italian,

He will pick me up from the train, wait in the station.

 Day two in Pisa

Awoke a bit early to get a fresh start,

Loaded my backpack from the breakfast cart.

Called Camp Darby to tell them I’m making an appearance,

 Gentleman I talked to said, ”Can’t without a clearance!”

So, changed my plans and walked the City,

Found Roman baths , all in ruins, what a pity.

From the time of Christ they still stand,

Incredible to see the marks of the hand.

Found a garden from the Medici times

Walls still standing with flowers that climb.

People are oblivious to their history so close,

They walk real fast,  talk on cell phones the most!

Lots of pretty fashionable people here,

Makes me wish I had family near.

I went to a Catholic Mass today at noon,

To rid the guilt and relinquish my doom!

African girl tried to sell me her wares,

Gave me a gift of luck, I refused and said, “I don’t care!”

Why do I need at this time in my life…

A wooden elephant carved with a knife?

Went to an electronic shop to by a charger & connector,

He didn’t speak any English but knew his name was Hector.

He had everything  that I need,

Bene, bene, molto bene!

My legs are so sore, my butt burns like a flare

From daily walking and climbing 4 flights of stairs.

I’ll finish this note, take a shower,

Check off one more day,  God grant me some power!

Buono serra!

Website info
Hotel Royal Victoria 
Lungarno Pacinotti 12, 

Pisa, 56126 Italy 

866-539-0036

www.royalvictoria.it

mail@royalvictoria.it