Torre Pendente

Morag was also booked on an early flight in March, but from Gatwick not Stansted. As the trains from London Bridge don’t run very early in the morning, she decided to go down the previous evening and catch a bit of sleep in the terminal building – not very much sleep, but some. The flight to Pisa was with Easyjet – a pleasant change from the usual Ryanair service. The pilot had a sense of humour, the staff were friendly – and the seats were comfortable – not plastic! Also, although like with Ryanair there were attempts to sell extras – they didn't keep plugging something every five minutes over the intercom.

All went swimmingly until we were almost at Pisa; it seems the pilot was told only on his final approach of changes to the landing procedures at Pisa airport – so it was a sudden climb into a “go-around” for a second approach. One of the stewardesses was thrown against the rear bulkheads, injuring her arm, leg and neck At first she thought the arm was broken but as the (successful) final approach was made she got some feeling back in the hand and thought probably not a break after all. She would go to hospital in Pisa to be checked anyway. Morag – having some hours to pass before the next flight – offered to keep her company if needed (as the rest of the crew would have to go back with the aircraft). They must have found someone on the ground to go with her though – Morag was not called on. (She texted the next day - she'd been taken to hospital on a spinal board - happily X-rays and a CT scan had uncovered no breaks.)

Pisa airport is very near the city and the local bus costs only €1.50. The go-around had given a chance to see Pisa from the air, but as the weather was good and there were a few hours to fill, a bus ride and a walk were indicated. Although the weather was variable, it was never cold or rainy, so very pleasant for walking. With the free city map picked up in the airport, it was easy after a little sightseeing to find the main railway station and thus the navette back to the airport.

The second flight of the day was typically Ryanair – so no need for further comment!

Transport: London Bridge to Gatwick with Southern Railways, Gatwick to Pisa with Easyjet, Pisa to Gerona with Ryanair, Frogbus.

Door-to-door (including a night at the airport): 24½ hours

Cost: £73.29