Landing in Lucca

After a long day of traveling we arrived in Lucca. We had studied photos and pics of this walled city boasting the original Roman wall,

followed by the Etruscan wall, resulting today into an intriguing spot to explore.  The train station is near to wall and we felt certain of the way so we told our host we would meet her at the apartment.  The bags are more cumbersome and heavy than we are used to so it was probably not difficult for Danielle, standing on top of the wall, to recognize us as her new tennants. Still unfamiliar with the layout of the city, we wrestled our bags up the ramp to some stairs… (later we found an easier way to get in… oh well the return to the train station will seem like a piece of cake).

Danielle pointed out some places of interest, explained how the key works getting into the apartment, and then lead us through the recycling system. When we travel abroad we always think two things… we should really lose weight and how is it we can live creating so little trash here than at home?…. there is a robust cycle of recycling…with pick up 5 days per week each for a different type of waste.

After practicing the keys we head out to explore and get some groceries for dinner.  We roam the streets and stroll the piazzas looking for the suggested market. The charm of Italy is the fruit grocer whose shop is barely larger than our bedroom closet who is also a few doors down from the pasticceria for the bread, sweets or espresso, who is near to the meat and cheese grocer.  Every so often there is a small market that carries “stuff” … stuff to clean, stuff to drink, toilet paper( the only paper product sold… no tissues or paper towels here). We may only have time to walk, shop and cook. No wonder they are so thin!

We do begin to relax a little and drink in the moment.  We have been planning this for a long time and finally we are here. Taking a deep breath to let go of the uncertainty and apprehension we walk the wall (which is more of a thoroughfare that encloses the city from above)… Tomorrow we will take on the challenge of becoming familiar.  Tonight we will have a great dinner in our little Italian kitchen and get a good tight’s sleep. Ciao