Skip to main content

The European Chronicles - 6/1/14

Day Six. 

Pisa, Italy.

Today didn't offer much as traveling was the name of the game. As I write this, I am staring out at probably the greatest visual for a city ever - Venice. What a beautiful and unique city. Gorgeous! 

However, today, we learned exactly what our tour guide meant when she said, "nothing is in Pisa, really". And boy was she right. Other than The Leaning Tower of Pisa, and a few other architectural structures present, you quickly learn there isn't much to this famous tower other than it's a mistake not fixed for the sheer purpose of tourism. No, seriously! 

Especially, when you factor in that there are two other towers here in Venice, where we traveled to tonight, that are also leaning due to the poor structure below it. Again, it's a beautiful piece in person, but one that leaves a huge "ehhhh" after seeing it. Now it's merely a "been there, seen that" sort-of-deal. 

As stated, other than Pisa, it was mostly a travel day with nothing of note to share. We bused and bused, and bused...and then boated to get to Venice, here in Northern Italy. 




One last quick note, I learned a useless tidbit that could be beneficial if you plan on coming over here. Rest stop food in Italy is actualy pretty good. After all, everything is served fresh. No joke. We stopped for lunch, and I enjoyed freshly cooked pesto pasta from this rest stop fast food service. It sort of blew my mind. If you want, simply look up "Autogrill". 

Other than than, we're off to see some of Venice tonight, and resting up for another day in a new city. 

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se