European Vacation – September 15/16/17 and 18/19 – Pisa, Italy (Part 5) – Grazing Our Way Around Pisa

I think I may have mentioned that there was never any difficulty in finding food or drink in Pisa, as we wandered around. Here are some of our experiences in and around Pisa.

On the afternoon of our second day, we stopped for a beverage in a little sidewalk cafe along a narrow street. My compatriots opted for either wine or soda and I went all out and ordered the Campari over ice. Campari is an Italian bitter aperitif and rather than be taken as just an after dinner drink, it can be taken (notice, I did not say enjoyed) as a before dinner drink or if you are me, just taken to say you have tried it. It is supposed to taste like bitter orange, but I am not so sure. I remember the first time I tasted this in 1984, it reminded me of the old Listerine flavour. I am happy to report that nothing has changed since then. One try was again enough….until next time.

The drawback at the restaurant was that the seating and restaurant were on opposite sides of the street. If she was not careful, our waitress could be run over, while delivering our orders to the table. It was also on a city bus route, so we had to be wary not to leave our feet or bags out on the street, as big diesel buses slowly rumbled by.

There were a variety of places for breakfast in Pisa, mostly coffee shops, offering sweet pastries and if you were lucky, a few savouries. The coffee was good and the pastries, while good were not very filling, but they were quick and affordable.

One of our favourite breakfast places was Filter, an American style coffee shop and bakery. Surprisingly good coffee and lots of sweet and savoury breakfast choices. We ate here on tow mornings. Prices were very reasonable and service was excellent.

Pizza is an Italian dish invented in Naples. We opted for a pizza supper one evening, near the Leaning Tower. It did not disappoint. My Patty and I split a pizza and salad.

On our way back to the apartment after a day trip to Lucca, we stopped at an Italian sandwich shop for made to order sandwiches. Delicious and just the light meal we needed.

Pre- or post dinner drinks and desserts were also not hard to come by. This place, near the tower offered main meals, but also drinks and dessert. Great iced coffee and some of the best Tiramisu we have ever had.

While we were there, a mounted band came by playing loud stirring music. I think the horses must be very well trained to put up with this.