Italia 2017-Day 8-Piombino, Pisa, Cinque Terre

Andy really wanted to make a stop in Piombino. Not anything touristy worthy I'm sure but it holds a special place in his heart as he served 4-5 months of his mission in this small town. Like you can walk every street in less than an hour small. Piombino is right on the coast and across the sea you can see Elba Island, where Napoleon was exiled. It's has a beautiful piazza overlooking the water that has some magnificient sunsets. (We were there in the morning but Andy assured us that he walked down every evening for those months he was there and watched the sunset. This place was also special to Andy because of the Branch. When Andy and I went to Italy 16 years ago we made sure we spent our Sunday in Piombino so we could attend the branch of 8 people, including us and the missionaries. Sister Manetti, an 80 year old convert that showed every Elder how to use a bide and made the best hot chocolate, was his favorite. I'm sure she has long passed away but Andy will always remember her when he thinks of Piombino. The branch president's family, the Spinosa's, owned a fish market and we walked the streets and couldn't find it. Andy asked someone if they could tell us where it was and they didn't know what he was talking about so I'm sure they have moved on as well.) After walking the streets for a while with the kids we stopped for gelato before leaving. Best. stop. ever. Seriously the best gelato ever. Andy asked the guy which flavor was his favorite and he said creamina. Oh my. It was heavenly. I think our gelato eating in Italy was never the same because it was so much better than anything we had the entire time we were there. So I think Piombino holds a special place in our hearts because when you ask my kids about Piombino they say, "Gelato!"

After Piombino we headed north to Pisa, another city Andy served in. (Fun fact, every city Andy served in started with a “P” except his first city Ferrara that he served less than a month.) Pisa isn't the prettiest town but it has the iconic Leaning Tower so it's a must stop and see when in Italy. We were thinking about climbing the tower since it was closed last time we were there and when Andy was on his mission so we thought it might be fun but after seeing how it the tour works (you literally walk up 284 steps, get less than 5 minutes at the top and then you have to walk right back down) and if you get motion sickness it is advisable not to go, we decided it maybe was not for us. The decision to not buy tickets ultimately worked out because it started raining (a complete downpour) and I'm not sure I would've wanted to climb slippery, marble steps with 4 kids.

We walked around Piazza dei Miracoli and had fun taking pictures "holding" the tower. We thought we had seen the last of cathedrals but decided one more, Pisa Cathedral Dome, but couldn't get tickets to the baptistery (that is also leaning). I love that there's a baptistery in Pisa and Florence where they have a font for baptism by immersion but the guidebook explains that tradition is no longer practiced. ;)

We got back in the van and drove the zigzag roads to Cinque Terre region and made it to Monterosso al Mare, a beautiful, unique town on the sea. This was one place I really wanted to come back to and actually stay and experience the town and it didn't disappoint. We got settled into our apartment and walked down into the quaint walking town and strolled along the sea. It was so magical as the sun was setting and the kids were playing in the water (fully clothed because we weren't planning on getting in the water that night but it was so beautiful and the water was inviting, who were we to tell them no?). I turned to Andy and told him I want to remember this moment for the rest of my life. There was something spiritual about it. We were the only ones on the beach and it felt like time was standing still. I'm tearing up just typing this because I'm certain I'll have that moment in my mind forever of the night on the beach with my little family in Monterosso al Mare. It was as if Heaven and Earth came together and we were there to take part of it. It was a special moment I hope to remember forever.