Tuscany is filled with those famous scenic landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. It’s beautiful. The sun hits the ground in a way that makes everything glow. As we were driving through the countryside on our way to The Italian Riviera, we made two notable stops: San Gimignano and Pisa. Two very different places, but both prospering from their clear main source for economic development: tourism. 

San Gimignano is has a very unique quality that sets it apart from its neighboring medieval towns. Apparently, San Gimignano was filled with feuding noble families back in the day. Of course, each rich medieval finance bro needed a tower that was bigger and better than their corresponding “Mr. Jones” to protect and defend their families’ pride. This constant battling formed what is now known as “a medieval Manhattan” with 72 old towers standing tall (14 of which remain today). On the other hand, Pisa is just pretty much just a bunch of tourists looking really silly with their leaning poses and their selfie-sticks. Don’t do it. Don’t. Okay, maybe just one picture…