Finding Firenze: Pisa and San Miniato

A couple weekends ago I took a quick, 36 hour trip from Florence to Pisa. In all my travels around Italy with my family I had never visited Pisa. Along the way from Florence to Pisa there is a small town called San Miniato that is famous for it's white truffles. I had hoped to make it to their legendary white truffle festival this year but missed it while I was in the United States getting my visa. But I was still determined to visit the town while the truffles were still in season. So on my way to Pisa Saturday morning I stopped and hiked up to the small hill top town for lunch and to explore. It was one of the many religious holidays so the busses were barely running, so I hiked 40min or so up to the town and found a restaurant I'd read about, Pepenero. After a chilling tour of the town, it was only 38F that day, I continued on to Pisa.

Yes Pisa is famous for it's teetering tower and the Field or Miracles, but in Italy it's also famous for the prestigious university. As with many university towns, it has a vibrant nightlife. I took a few night shots of the leaning tower then went out for some dinner and drinks. It was absolutely packed. People out late everywhere. Though I was out alone, it was a lot of fun people watching and seeing everyone enjoying life. Sunday morning I climbed the leaning tower and saw more of the city. It's very weird being at the top of the leaning tower, even though it's only leaning 5 degrees at the top you have this odd sensation that you are slipping off. I finished the day off with some gelato then headed back to Florence. I enjoyed my brief time in Pisa but I wouldn't want to spend much more time there as a tourist. The city is certainly worth spending the night in and shouldn't be relegated to a quick 3hr-see-the-leaning-tower-and-our trip. But as a tourist, I wouldn't to spend more than 36 hours there. Check out some pictures from my trip below!

San Miniato sitting on a classic Tuscan hill

Lunch from Pepenero

Amuse Bouche - Pumpkin Pudding with garbanzo and Szechuan peppercorn puree. Delicious.

Primi - Fried eggs with White San Miniato Truffles. Truffles were very fragrant but very subtle flavor. Eggs weren't seasoned at all. Much better once I finally got some salt.