Thursday. Power to the
Pisa. Yesterday, I was inaugurated into the “tourist of all time” hall of
fame. I went to visit the city of Pisa, where I cheerfully stood atop a pillar
to take the legendary Pisa picture. The leaning tower is the primary, if not
only, real attraction of the city. Originally a seat of the Roman military,
Pisa has decayed in economic value, political significance and historical
importance in recent years. In addition to the leaning tower, which is actually
the belltower of the cathedral complex, Pisa contains an array of street
vendors, as well as a historical sites, such as the campo santo- a cemetery. This cemetery incurred significant damage
subsequent to being struck by a German bomb. The artwork has been
reconstructed, but the nuclear impact is still evident in the fresco pieces. These figments of
history, as exposed through the art and architecture of Pisa, bare stark
contrast to the modernity that has swept through the city and contributed to
the touristy vibe. Before encountering the tower, I was forced to weave through
an empire of fake Gucci purses, Coach watches, and sub-par eateries (I guess I
have already been spoiled). The sea of Burger King crowns and McDonald’s to-go
bags detracted from any historical atmosphere that could have been present. The
modernity versus history standoff was a near perfect reflection of the slightly
angled tourists, posing with just the right amount of lean in their stance, in
front of the cathedral’s belltower.
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