Jul 24, 2006 04:43 PM
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Late evening on day four of our tour in Europe, we crossed over to Italy and reached to AC Hotel in Genoa for overnight stay. Nice and comfortable place. On the 5th early morning ( by now we are used to 6-7-8 routine with wake up, breakfast and on the coach for journey) we left for Pisa….the famous Leaning Tower which happened to be due to improper foundation settlement in the base and tower got inclined.
Coach journey through coastal road in Mediterranean though ended, but we traveled on high ways through expansive country side with distant mountains and vast farm lands on, often meeting parallel railway tracks at the backdrop of blue but cloudy sky. Often sharp rains came pouring down….a scenario one can enjoy in the comfort of the coach with ac and heating facilities. By the time we reached Pisa, the day has advanced. We had to walk a lot from the parking to the huge court yard of Pisa and adjoining massive buildings that stood the test of time. Crowds of visitors were pouring in continuous march with shops of curios, artifacts and food stall on either side….a common sight for such places! Strangely, we came across many Bangladeshi expatriates, who migrated with kith and kin and settled there (also in Rome) as vendors, hawker and cook. About a lakh has settled in Italy…..quite a number!
Many of visitors were taking photos posing as if he/she is holding the tower from leaning further. No visitor is allowed inside the tower which is structurally braced and strengthened to hold its position without further tilt. We then traveled towards Rome and reached Hotel L’oasi at outskirt of Rome late afternoon. The hotel has a large area with several blocks clustered. So, against heavy downpour from time to time we did not face much problem. Next day our visit to Rome started with great Coliseum…an amphitheatre in the golden Roman era when a gladiator with fight animals amid large audience with royal presence. Still the relics (even some portions are gone with time) hold out its grandeur and the construction fit in that period of history. We visited Time Elevator show that took us through ancient Rome with all its pomp and splendour.
Next day we had city tour in Rome with a local guide educating us with glorious history and heritages in every quarter and corner as if they stand out and tell the passers by of their past. Next day early morning after leaving the hotel we went straight to the Vatican that is an independent territory within the Rome, the power centre of Roman Catholics….a major religious force. Visitors were all over being a Sunday, when a fleet of racing cars appeared amid rustles and bustles to seek blessing of the Pope. We took to the high way again and traveled through country side to reach at Mestre (near Padua) for overnight stay at Hotel Poppi. Following day we started early to visit Venice on time as we are to reach Austria by evening.
From the main land, by motor boat we traveled to Venice over Mediterranean sea with Ships anchored and some moving. Venice was fast approaching with its buildings and ferry boats around. We straightway went to St. Marks Square…..a huge central square and reached to famous Morano Glass showroom, where the art of making delicate glass articles was demonstrated. Most of us bought some items as souvenir and gifts. We left the group to spend some time on water front café after seeing the gondola ( could not take a ride for stinking water) and enjoyed the pizza, drinks and rest. On way back, some more gifts, typical of the place and alluring, had to be bought. With warm Italians and their friendly environment, our journey in Italy came to an end when we left for Austria. Rome is a fascinating and attractive city with very rich past!
