A couple from England that we met in Spain weeks ago told us that we “simply MUST” go to Lucca when we go to Florence as it isn’t far.  Today was the day we chose to go and it was everything they said it would be. We decided to take the bus instead of the train as we had read that was the easiest and most comfortable.  It was a wonderful ride in the country passing mile after mile of tree farms and huge cypress trees overlooked lovely country homes. The traffic was heavy but the roads looked new and smooth. The sun was shining when we arrived through the gates of this quaint walled city.  The old city is built in a circle, completed surrounded by a high wall. Outside the wall is the newer Lucca where more modern apartments and businesses are found.  It’s an amazing contrast of the same city with two faces. We walked for miles, up and down narrow alley roads but we were happy that most of them were much smoother and hence easier to walk on than cobblestone we have in Florence. We even walked atop the wall which gave us a wonderful view of the green park below where people walked along long winding paths and the bustle of the outer city was heard in the distance and not right beside us.  The wall surrounding the city is about 4 km and although we didn’t walk it all, we certainly did put our steps on today.

We came upon a church and Joey went inside while I stayed outside and took more pictures of doors.  I only needed eleven more and I got them all.  While I was doing this, I could hear a very loud siren coming towards us.  When it turned the corner I could see it was a fire truck and it wasn’t slowing down.  So many people covered the piazza where it was headed and finally they realized it wasn’t slowing and they scattered like ants when the Raid comes out.  It was like watching an action movie.  I’m sorry I couldn’t get it all on film.

We found a small cafe to have a bite to eat and we couldn’t get over how much less expensive it was here compared to Florence.  I had an onion pizza which was amazing and Joey had a ham, cheese and tomato focaccia bun that she said was fresh.  Both of them came to about 6 Euro.  In Florence, the same combo would have been about double that and only half the food.  Later in the day we even stopped for the best gelato I’ve ever had which again we got twice the amount for half the money.  I said to Joey that if I ever came back to Italy, this is where I’d come.  It’s in the county so I could rent a car and travel around.  I’m just not confident enough to drive in the city here as drivers are nuts, to put it nicely!

A poster showing what was playing at the local theatre appeared on the side of the cinema…same movies as home, different language is all.

The above picture shows a newly renovated convent in the middle of the old city where peaceful green areas invite people to walk in and take a break from the city.

In the rain, we walked back to meet our bus and once on board, I realized how tired I was and I promptly fell asleep for the hour-long ride home. We both agreed that it had been a great day and if we have time, we may come back as we still want to see those shops.