A WALK AROUND LUCCA

Lucca is enclosed by massive walls begun in 1504 and finished some 140 years later. Since the early 19th century the ramparts have been a public promanade which is used daily by joggers, bicyclers, dog walkers, strollers, etc.

We chose to walk around the city on top of the walls on Easter, along with much of the rest of Lucca.  The total distance is 2.5, 2.6, or 3 miles, depending on which source you consult.

The views were amazing along this tree-lined boulevard.

Outside the walls is an immense sward, like a moat of grass.  No enemy could have snuck up on the Lucchesi!

Every so often we would come to a portal into the city...

Or have a glimpse of someone's private garden

And, of course cats.

The walls of Lucca are said to be the best preserved Renaissance walls in the world. They certainly are a true delight, and yes, we both went all the way around.

Audrey

LUCCA AND THE MOTHER OF ALL FLEA MARKETS

We've been in Lucca, Italy for a few days now.  When we learned that our cruise ended during Holy Week we changed our earlier plans to go to Rome and headed north to Tuscany.  We have never been to Lucca, so why not?  It is situated between Pisa and Florence and still has the old walled city with small winding streets.

There are tons of tourists here but they are mostly Italians.  I have been asked twice, in Italian, for directions, which makes me feel great that I don't stand out as a foreigner.

Today we woke up to light rain and as we were wandering back from breakfast we noticed a market set up in the piazza ahead of us.  It's Saturday so this seemed normal.  As we got closer I said, "uh oh," to Jim, as it was obviously a Flea Market.

What we didn't know for quite awhile was that it was a REALLY BIG flea market.  We would finish one piazza and see a tantilizing stall set up in an alley on the way to the next piazza.

There was EVERYTHING at this flea market.  Bronze statues

Other great figures

Paintings

Vases

Coffee pots and grinders

Furniture

Odd things

And beautiful things.

Great people watching

And poodle watching

After 4+ hours even we had to give up.  We understand this amazing event of over 230 vendors is once a month on the "3rd Sunday and the Saturday before."  I wonder if this includes Easter Sunday?  We'll see.

Did we buy anything?  Yes we did.

Audrey