Week 3 we rode the train from Rome to the town of Lucca in Tuscany. From the station, we walked through the massive 16th century walls to our next flat. This one was nestled alongside and sharing a wall with a church in a piazza. For the first two days we explored locally, wandering through a flea market, part of which was situated outside our front door. Here we had our first days of steady drizzle, but it added to the atmosphere of the narrow, cobbled streets, shop windows looking into small boutique stores, couples strolling, stopping to visit, and people of a range of ages, weaving nimbly through it all while holding an umbrella overhead. We noted with interest that, to stop in a coffee bar, you had a choice of standing at the bar to quickly drink your espresso (that was no bigger than two quick sips) or to sit at a table, but each came at a different price, not for the cost of the coffee, but whether or not you lingered. Still, we found a nice Internet Café, and the table and access could be enjoyed with a cappuccino or a glass of wine. With much else to do and see, we didn’t spend a lot of time there, but it was our link to the outside world and family a couple of times.
When the weather cleared, we walked to the train station to head for Florence. We found the schedule was not convenient for us, so we decided, instead, to walk the parameter of the city around the top of the wall. I was surprised to find how broad it was, a wide, leaf-strewn path lined with moss-covered trees and grass to the edge of the wall, where it dropped off into the town. People were jogging and riding bikes, enjoying the change in weather and this park-like atmosphere that was quite different from within the town itself. The picture, above, was one view into the town. I loved several I took of the trees and path, but this best showed a view of Lucca.
Sunday the 28th_We’re in Milan on a rainy day, but I’m taking advantage of the internet access we have in this flat. Thanks for the nice comments as we’ve traveled. I’ve come to accept that I’ll not catch up, but do hope to leave a few pictures along the way.
Beautiful scene...and so different that my world today. I'm glad that you have stopped in for a visit. I've wondered about your travels and hoped you were doing well.
So nice to hear you are enjoying the sites in Lucca, the walk round the old walls ,sounds nice. hope you can make it to Florence one day.This is lovely view, of the old buildings and the church. looking forward to seeing your next stop
Another great photo Louise. You do such a nice job with your photo descriptions, making it very easy to visualize what you are experiencing. And as I view this photo I learn that you did have some rain, but nothing substantial enough to chase you indoors for long periods. Whenever you have the opportunity we enjoy your photos and descriptive comments. Enjoy it, as it seems time is going by quickly. It is hard to believe it has been three weeks already.
Oh good, new photos and commentary! I check periodically to see if you are back in contact. I love the thought of you enjoying all the wonderful scenery, culture and society Italy has to offer. How nice to be there at a time the crowds have thinned.
Beautiful! As I mentioned to you in a different comment my grandfather is from this region of Italy so I was looking forward to seeing a picture from here. I definitely have to go there myself someday!
So good to hear from yo again Louise.
Wonderful shot! - so much history in those places!
I fully understand about the photos & uploading.
Your trip must come first - otherwise you will be worrying about 365 & not enjoying the moment :)
Oh, this sounds like such fun...wandering among narrow streets and ducking into cafes to get out of the rain. *sigh* Thought you might be experincing some rain over there after reading about a garden wall collapsing in the ruins of Pompeii after days of torrential rains. Yikes!
@andiejaye Yes, about 30 cents more per cup if you want to sit at a table. Still, a cup of cappuccino costs less than Starbucks, so it's worth a respite and a little ambiance. It's been the case in Italy...don't know about other countries... David tells us the French linger at length over a cup of coffee, so we'll learn as we go!
December 3rd, 2010
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Wonderful shot! - so much history in those places!
I fully understand about the photos & uploading.
Your trip must come first - otherwise you will be worrying about 365 & not enjoying the moment :)