Chapter Thirty-Three
Day seven of their European adventure dawned with a cool breeze carrying the promise of new sights and experiences. Sophie and Fernando boarded the sleek tour bus, bidding farewell to Florence’s charm as they embarked on their journey through the heart of Italy.
The bus rumbled through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, dotted with vineyards and olive groves basking in the morning sun. Alicia smiled, ready to share another intriguing piece of information from the region. “We’re on our way to Pisa, but before we get there, I want to share a fun fact you may not know: It connects where we have been with where we are going. Carlo Collodi, the famous author of ‘ Pinocchio ‘, took his pen name from a small village near Pisa. Collodi was born in Florence and spent much of his life in Tuscany. The whimsical adventures of Pinocchio are deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of this region. So, in a way, when you think of Pinocchio, you’re also celebrating a piece of Tuscany. We will stop there a little later for a brief time. For now, all eyes on Pisa. ”
Alicia regaled them with tales of Pisa, its leaning tower, and its centuries-old mysteries. “The construction of this tower began in 1173, but due to unstable soil, it began to lean during its construction. Legend has it,” her voice hushed as if imparting a secret, “that Galileo Galilei conducted gravity experiments from the top of this very tower! And did you know the Leaning Tower isn’t the only thing that leans in Pisa? Due to the soft soil, several buildings in the city, including the cathedral and the baptistery, have a noticeable tilt.”
She paused for effect, letting them observe the buildings coming into view before continuing. “The tower currently leans at about 3.97 degrees. Over the years, a number of measures have been undertaken to decrease the angle. In the late 20th century, it was at a much more dangerous angle of 5.5 degrees, so engineers placed lead counterweights on the north side of the tower’s base. Additionally, they extracted soil from underneath the foundation on the south side, a technique called ‘soil extraction.’ These measures, along with stabilizing cables and careful monitoring, have reduced the lean by about 17 inches, ensuring that the tower remains stable. Interestingly, during World War II, the Allies suspected the tower was being used as an observation post by German forces. A U.S. Army sergeant was sent to confirm, but upon seeing the beauty of the tower, he couldn’t call in an airstrike to destroy it.”
Arriving in Pisa, they were greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Duomo’s magnificent marble fa?ade and the Baptistry’s ornate architecture stood in stark contrast to the iconic Leaning Tower. Sophie marveled at the intricate details of the Baptistry’s bronze doors, narrating biblical scenes with astounding craftsmanship.
Fernando, ever the adventurer, insisted on climbing the Leaning Tower despite Sophie’s playful warnings of vertigo. Ascending the narrow spiral staircase, they reached the top to a panoramic view of Pisa and its surroundings. “This is unreal,” Fernando breathed, snapping photos with Sophie beside him, the city spread out below like a patchwork quilt.
Their next stop took them to the enchanting town of Collodi, where they visited the whimsical Park of Pinocchio. Wandering through the lush gardens adorned with statues of the beloved wooden puppet, they felt their inner children come alive, skipping along the paths and playing a short game of tag amidst towering oak trees.
“Javier would love this place,” Sophie sighed with a smile, pausing to catch her breath as they strolled back towards the bus.
“Javier? I thought your brother’s name was Santiago,” Fernando remarked, his curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar name.
“Yes, Santiago is my brother. You’ll meet Javi soon enough,” Sophie replied playfully, picking up her pace. “Catch me if you can! Last one on buys dinner!”
Continuing their journey, the bus meandered through the rolling hills and vineyards of Emilia-Romagna, stopping briefly in Bologna. Known for its medieval architecture and vibrant food scene, Bologna beckoned with its bustling markets and centuries-old university. For lunch, they sampled local delicacies like tortellini al ragù and mortadella, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere before heading towards Venice.
As they approached the Adriatic Coast, the landscape shifted dramatically, revealing the rugged Apennine Mountains in the distance. The bus wound its way along scenic coastal roads, where azure waters lapped against pristine beaches and ancient seaside villages nestled in cliffs.
Arriving at the luxurious 4 Fontane Hotel in Venice, Sophie and Fernando were greeted by a stunning sight: beach huts lined the shore, their vibrant colors reflecting the hues of the setting sun. “Interested in renting one of those? It will cost you over a thousand dollars a day,” Alicia remarked, gesturing towards the exclusive rentals.
That evening, as they settled into their two-room suite overlooking a precious courtyard with exquisite landscaping, the salty sea breeze mingled with the tantalizing aroma of Venetian cuisine wafting from the hotel’s restaurant. They indulged in fresh seafood risotto paired with Prosecco, toasting to new beginnings and the captivating journey ahead.
As the sun cast a golden glow over the sky and the clouds turned to cotton candy in pastel shades of pink, purple, and blue, Fernando turned to Sophie with a sparkle in his eyes. “This trip has been extraordinary. Thank you for planning it all. I haven’t felt this relaxed in years, maybe even my whole life,” he murmured, reaching across the table to hold her hand.
Sophie smiled warmly, her heart swelling with contentment. “And it’s only just begun,” she replied softly, her voice filled with anticipation.
***
As Sophie and Fernando boarded the ferry bound for Venice the next day, the morning sun painted the lagoon in shades of gold and pink, casting a serene glow over the water. Alicia, their ever-knowledgeable guide, turned to them with a smile after admiring the view. “Benvenuti a Venezia! Welcome to Venice,” she began, her voice carrying over the gentle hum of the ferry’s engines. “This city is a marvel of human ingenuity and resilience. Construction of what you see today and know as ‘Venice’ began in the 9 th century. It is built on a network of wooden pilings driven deep into the soft, marshy lagoon floor. That’s right, Venice is completely man-made. And… it’s sinking.”
If anyone wasn’t paying attention to her speech before, they certainly were now. As they approached the island city, Alicia pointed out a bustling scene on a nearby barge loaded with building materials, accompanied by a strategically positioned cement truck. “Venice faces a unique challenge,” Alicia continued, her tone both informative and reverent. “Its heavy stone structures, combined with natural subsidence and centuries of weight, contribute to the city’s gradual sinking. Between the sinking rate and sea level rise, Venice gets almost a quarter inch closer to the water each year. Scientists estimate that without major changes, a significant portion of Venice will be submerged by the end of this century. That means your great-grandchildren may be unable to walk the streets of Venice as you will be today.”
She gestured toward the busy workers on the barge. “Modern engineering techniques are crucial to counteract this sinking,” Alicia explained. “Engineers have deployed innovative solutions such as inserting airbags under the foundations of these ancient buildings. These airbags gently lift and support the structures, allowing for adjustments to mitigate subsidence effects. Ongoing restoration efforts also play a crucial role in stabilizing and preserving Venice’s architectural treasures.”
Alicia paused as the boat rocked from the wake of a passing water taxi. Then, with a brighter tone, she added, “Another fascinating aspect of Venice is its unique structure. The city is spread across 118 small islands, connected by over 400 bridges. You’ll notice there are no cars here; the canals and narrow streets are the lifelines of this city. Everything is done on foot or by boat, which adds to Venice’s charm and tranquility. So, get ready to step back in time and experience a world where the pace is slower, and every corner holds a piece of history.”
Disembarking near the bustling Piazza San Marco, they were immediately enveloped in the grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic squares. The majestic St. Mark’s Basilica dominated their view, its Byzantine architecture adorned with domes and intricate arches. Alicia led them through the basilica’s entrance, where the cool interior welcomed them with the scent of ancient stone and incense.
Inside, they marveled at the undulating marble floors worn smooth by generations of pilgrims and tourists. Alicia’s voice resonated softly as she continued her tour, “The uneven floors are a testament to Venice’s shifting foundation, a challenge the basilica has gracefully withstood for centuries. Notice the 136 solid marble columns supporting the domes and ceilings, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The mosaics you see cover 8,000 square meters of interior space.”
Their eyes were drawn upward to the dazzling gold mosaics that adorned the ceilings and walls. Alicia pointed out the intricate scenes depicted in radiant hues. “These mosaics,” she explained, “depict biblical narratives and the life of Saint Mark, meticulously crafted from gold leaf and glass. They were designed to capture and reflect the sunlight, creating a celestial ambiance within this sacred space.”
Her gaze shifted to the stunning altarpiece ahead. “The Golden Altarpiece is crafted from gold and enamel and adorned with over 1,300 precious stones, including emeralds, sapphires, and pearls. The relics of St. Mark, housed here in the basilica, hold immense importance for the faithful and historians alike,” Alicia explained. “They are located in the Treasury, a sacred repository safeguarding invaluable treasures that attest to Venice’s rich cultural heritage. The basilica is meticulously monitored and maintained, with velvet ropes guiding visitors to preserve the delicate mosaics and ensure the structural integrity of this architectural marvel for future generations.”
Sophie held firmly to Fernando’s arm as they navigated their way through the basilica.
“I don’t know how anyone with large feet can walk this path. The ground is so uneven I feel like I am walking in awkward high heels with my toes pointed straight down as my heel rests on a high hump. If a basketball player came in here, they would probably feel like they were walking on large stones with hollows under their arches. Without you here to stabilize me, I would need to look down at where I was walking instead of looking up at the grandeur around me,” she whispered softly for his ears alone.
“Look all you want; I won’t let you fall,” Fernando assured her, adjusting their position so his left arm stretched behind her back and she was tucked securely into the safety of his side.