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Your mission: PISA
Details: Catch the earliest train possible, see the offset monument, take pictures as proof and return to the base in record time.
I arrived at the train station just before 8. I was going to stop for coffee but some people were not too impressed that I went to McDonald's yesterday (cough, cough!). I won't mention any names (cough, but it's Pretty Terrible) I'll blame you for my lack of caffeine today!
I went to the automated ticket machine. They look intimidating but they are very easy to use. As I made my selection, I noticed that the next train was at 8:05! Ahhh!! I rushed through the vending process and even purchased my return ticket. It dispensed my tickets and I looked at my ticket for the train number. I couldn't see it!! I looked on the display board and noticed my train at 8:05, platform one. Well, I could only see up to platform 4. No number 1. I was in panic mode! 3 minutes and the train would be leaving! I finally saw the sign for platform 1, raced to it, validated my ticket (yes that was a tip in a previous blog!!) and boarded the train with 2 minutes to spare! Phew! I made it. What a relief. It already feels James Bondish. Doesn't it?
I packed a lunch this morning, as I'm sure the food will be very expensive in Pisa.
My return train is at noon and I should be back to Florence by 1:30. I'm still contemplating whether or not I should take the site seeing tour bus today or just get a refund on it when I get home. I guess I'll see how I feel.
On my way, a passenger had to pay a fine for not validating her ticket. The agent was NOT very nice. Validation is kind of silly in my opinion. The ticket has already been purchased. The agent checks and punches the ticket. Is that not enough? I think it's just a way to 'catch' tourists. Tricky, tricky, tricky!!
The tower was much bigger than I anticipated. It's always been one of the landmarks I've wanted to visit so I'm glad I did. I took a few pictures, read some information about the restoration of the tower and roamed around the streets. There are tons of tourists and souvenir vendors. They sell things at ridiculous prices. Crazy thing is, people buy them!
I made my way back to the station earlier than I had planned. So I asked an attendant if I could take an earlier train. It wasn't a problem. I guess these regional trains run frequently and the train time is not a problem.
I waited about 10 minutes for my train and I was heading back to Florence.
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M I S S I O N
A C C O M P L I S H E D
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Q21
How many stories are there in the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
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