Field trip to Lucca

Today, somewhat spontaneously, we decided to visit the Kleenex capital of the world: Lucca. (note: it was not paper-making fame that drew me to this town, but rather the fact that is is close to our villa, and is "Italy's most impressive fortress city, encircled by a perfectly intact wall.")

Of course, Lucca IS close to our village of Allebio, but in reality it is not so close when you take the scenic/windy/hilly route. I'm a girl who loves the adventurous route, but today I was simply the girl in need of Gravol. Ugh. But we made it, without incident, and Granny slipped me some of her special prescription Tylenol to take the edge off.  I thought it best, then, to limit my consumption of the lunchtime wine. Sigh.  Speaking of wine, it is often cheaper than water here, a reality which has not helped with my general hydration while in this country.

Lucca was lovely: narrow roads, a labyrinth of tall buildings tucked inside the ramparts, churches and cathedrals with detailed facades, and huge, sweeping piazzas that make you feel far away from any North American city. How lucky am I to be here?

After discovering (and devouring) yet another flavour and shape of pasta at lunchtime, we explored the city  for hours. Then, mercifully, we took the very straight, flat and fast autoroute home. Home, of course, being this villa of ours.