I know, I know: This is a post about Pisa, Italy, so where’s the picture of the Leaning Tower?

Pisa is so much more than its most famous landmark. It’s a college town, home to the University of Pisa, which has been educating students since the 12th century and which once employed Galileo Galilei as a math professor. It’s a walkable little city split by the Arno River and lined with cobblestone streets and colorful homes.

But the tower – just “tower,” as the natives call it – well, my how it dominates most peoples’ conception of the city. Which is why I posted this photograph from Pisa before I posted any Leaning Tower pictures. Those are coming, of course.

There’s nothing like the sound of about a dozen five-year-olds eating birthday cake and ice cream. They’re all “MMMMMMM…..” and “CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE!” and “YUM!” as loud as can be. They lick their forks and their lips. They laugh and smile and make you remember when you were five and your biggest problem in life was Mom not letting you eat a second slice of cake. Happy 5th birthday, Reid!

“Ladies” – the Roseland Ballroom

Tulips in Columbus Circle

Times Square ice cream

Public art