Lean On Me

Lean On Me

Just arrived in Milan where the temperature has plummeted to 38 degrees, just as well I brought my gloves along. 

We came via Pisa, to see the legendary Leaning Tower, begun 1173, it was leaning by the time they finished the 3rd tier. By 1993 the tilt was increasing by 1.2 mm a year and was in imminent danger of collapse, fortunately restoration which finished in 2001, saved this beautiful landmark. Even if you straightened the base of the tower,  it would still not be strait as it's banana shaped, built to correct the lean it already had, before its completion in 1350. It's lean, is still dependant on the water table levels in the foundation and the wind. 

To honour the mighty Galileo who carried out experiments around gravity laws, I took a very large moaning Italian mama and a hamster to the top to see which would hit the ground first. Unfortunately  Italy ex PM  Silvio Berlusconi brought in very strict laws on abuse & cruelty and made me use a chair instead of the hamster. 

The journey here was tire squealingly fun and I'd forgotten just how bendy the Autostrada is. I've just turned the heating up in the bathroom so we feel at home.