Last weekend we took our first trip to the coast - to see one of the famous parades at the Carnivale in the little seaside town of Viareggio. The day started with another amazing sunrise over Siena.
We packed the car and headed North East. The kids had insisted we swing by Pisa on the way to the coast. They were determined to see the leaning tower.
We did.
We took all the obligatory photos.
We then headed back to the car and drove the rest of the way to Viareggio, arriving just in time to have locally-caught fish and chips for lunch.
And then a walk and a play on the beach for the first time in two months.
Followed by a rainy stroll down the promenade - “La Passeggiata”.
We bought tickets to the parade, crossing our fingers that it wouldn’t be cancelled due to the rain, which was getting heavier. After dropping our luggage at an Airbnb, we headed back into town, found a parking spot and by the time we’d walked to the location the rain had eased and the event Facebook page assured us it was going ahead.
I still don’t understand how a town of 50,000 people can put together a parade with 20 meter-high puppeteered floats but I’m glad they do.
It got even more impressive as the sun set.
After watching the parade for a couple of hours we were all exhausted so we grabbed some great street food. You’re never far from slow-roasted pork in Tuscany.
We managed to find a table and have dinner, then headed back to the Airbnb for bed.
I woke up early the next day and decided to take the rare opportunity to go for a run on the beach.
I got back, showered and gathered the family to go back and explore Viareggio.
We’re still discovering how diverse Tuscany is. It turns out people even surf here.
Then we headed to the biggest park in Viareggio to rent three and four-wheel bikes.
We had a great time.
Then it was time to head back to Siena and get ready for the week.