Post by Kim on Feb 9, 2002 12:22:04 GMT -5
Con't
Apparently this is quite a 'day trippers' region in the height of summer. And there is evidence of a growing tourist industry abounding. However, this is the first place I have been where I really felt the constrictions of being out of season. Most everything was closed, to include eateries (I thought I was going to starve the first day!) and very few places open with rooms. There were a few, very few, other tourists out and about, but for the most part I saw the towns as they are in everyday normalcy.
As for my other big regret here, I really had planned on hiking the path between the towns.....there must be the most spectacular views along the way! But, with my knee throbbing like it was and a serious limp I wouldn't have made it from one town to the next along the easiest part of the trip. So my visits were confined to the towns themselves, which in itself was a wonderful sight. But I will always regret I fear not having made the hike.
As to the knee, can't say that the brace has done much good at all. Can't be hurting I don't think, but surely no magic cure. Yesterday evening I have to say I had about decided I just might have to come on home. It really was getting that bad. Then, this morning, rummaging through my 'first aid' kit in search of chapstick I was quite surprised to find among the 'just in case' prescriptions that my doctor had given me prior to the trips start one for percoset! I had totally forgotten it. Has that ever made a difference today! Isn't doing anything for the actual injury I know, but I can walk relatively pain free and with just the smallest of limps. And I know that the more pronounced the limp the more it is straining the thing, so hopefully this will help it heal just a bit. Trip saved, at least until the perscription runs out! Maybe by then it will naturally have started to get better.
Took a run this afternoon down to Pisa, about an hour by train. Had told myself I was not going to, haven't heard great things about it. But have to say I found it a nice time indeed. Yes of course the tower is a sight in itself, but the duomo and baptistry are really lovely and just recently cleaned and free of scaffolding so quite beautiful. The tower is open once again to climb, but I passed this one by. No sense aggrevating a problem. The town is nice aa well, although I don't think there is more than an afternoons worth of sightseeing there. This one really is a 'day trippers' place. And, as ever in Tuscany, Medici crests everywhere!
Going to head on out of Italy tomorrow.....and onto Spain...and I am indeed in a panic. I have no guide! Checked several places today, and found loads of English books, and guides, but none for Spain?! So looks like my first day or two are really going to be off the cuff, at least until I can get my hands on a book. Kim, quick send me about 10 days worth of places I really should see in Spain! And not necessarily 10 places, just 10 days worth more or less.
ging
Apparently this is quite a 'day trippers' region in the height of summer. And there is evidence of a growing tourist industry abounding. However, this is the first place I have been where I really felt the constrictions of being out of season. Most everything was closed, to include eateries (I thought I was going to starve the first day!) and very few places open with rooms. There were a few, very few, other tourists out and about, but for the most part I saw the towns as they are in everyday normalcy.
As for my other big regret here, I really had planned on hiking the path between the towns.....there must be the most spectacular views along the way! But, with my knee throbbing like it was and a serious limp I wouldn't have made it from one town to the next along the easiest part of the trip. So my visits were confined to the towns themselves, which in itself was a wonderful sight. But I will always regret I fear not having made the hike.
As to the knee, can't say that the brace has done much good at all. Can't be hurting I don't think, but surely no magic cure. Yesterday evening I have to say I had about decided I just might have to come on home. It really was getting that bad. Then, this morning, rummaging through my 'first aid' kit in search of chapstick I was quite surprised to find among the 'just in case' prescriptions that my doctor had given me prior to the trips start one for percoset! I had totally forgotten it. Has that ever made a difference today! Isn't doing anything for the actual injury I know, but I can walk relatively pain free and with just the smallest of limps. And I know that the more pronounced the limp the more it is straining the thing, so hopefully this will help it heal just a bit. Trip saved, at least until the perscription runs out! Maybe by then it will naturally have started to get better.
Took a run this afternoon down to Pisa, about an hour by train. Had told myself I was not going to, haven't heard great things about it. But have to say I found it a nice time indeed. Yes of course the tower is a sight in itself, but the duomo and baptistry are really lovely and just recently cleaned and free of scaffolding so quite beautiful. The tower is open once again to climb, but I passed this one by. No sense aggrevating a problem. The town is nice aa well, although I don't think there is more than an afternoons worth of sightseeing there. This one really is a 'day trippers' place. And, as ever in Tuscany, Medici crests everywhere!
Going to head on out of Italy tomorrow.....and onto Spain...and I am indeed in a panic. I have no guide! Checked several places today, and found loads of English books, and guides, but none for Spain?! So looks like my first day or two are really going to be off the cuff, at least until I can get my hands on a book. Kim, quick send me about 10 days worth of places I really should see in Spain! And not necessarily 10 places, just 10 days worth more or less.
ging