Lucca, the birthplace of Giacamo Puccini (one of the world's most famous opera composers) is testament to the poetry and amoré which inspired his great works. I did not come with any preconceptions of what Lucca would offer, but I have to say I was totally immersed into the culture and atmosphere of the piazas, domos and enthusiasm of the Italian language and bravado. Whether it was strolling the outer 4 1/2 km wall surrounding the inner city, ducking into dead end vias (streets), sitting at a sidewalk tratoria/bar drinking cold vino blanco, watching the locals riding their bicycles, glancing at lovers arm in arm walking the promenades or children kicking soccer balls, it was totally what one would expect to find, whether you were looking for it or not.
We treated ourselves to go to a Puccini recital at the church of San Giovanni. Though the quality of my video is not very good, click on my Youtube video below to get a sense of the performance. The acoustics of the church were fabulous and the performers exceptionally good. Performances are 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Well worth checking out.The price of 18 Euros or approximately $25 was well worth the admission price.
On our first day we covered 15 Km just wandering around and on our second, in addition to a visit of the local botanical garden, we made the 256 stair climb up the Guinigi Tower to a fabulous view of the complete walled city and surrounding hills. Red tiled roofs with roof top gardens and the occasional article of clothing, draping a window ledge or balcony, blowing in the wind, is all part of the setting.
Our hotel was situated in an old palace and occupied the third floor. Not a typical hotel in the traditional sense, but who is looking for something traditional when you can have authentic. Overlooking the Piaza San Michel, you hear the revelers at night and the morning voices of the locals as they prepare to open their shops as the coffee bars come alive.
Eating and drinking is a national pass time and who could not participate in the local traditions of food and drink consumption. Pizzas,calzones, scallopine, wild boar, funghi, assiago cheese, gelato and of course local wines to bring out the full flavour. Though there are many tourists, we find the majority are actually Italian as they take advantage of all the internationals having gone home. Saluti!!
We treated ourselves to go to a Puccini recital at the church of San Giovanni. Though the quality of my video is not very good, click on my Youtube video below to get a sense of the performance. The acoustics of the church were fabulous and the performers exceptionally good. Performances are 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Well worth checking out.The price of 18 Euros or approximately $25 was well worth the admission price.
On our first day we covered 15 Km just wandering around and on our second, in addition to a visit of the local botanical garden, we made the 256 stair climb up the Guinigi Tower to a fabulous view of the complete walled city and surrounding hills. Red tiled roofs with roof top gardens and the occasional article of clothing, draping a window ledge or balcony, blowing in the wind, is all part of the setting.
Our hotel was situated in an old palace and occupied the third floor. Not a typical hotel in the traditional sense, but who is looking for something traditional when you can have authentic. Overlooking the Piaza San Michel, you hear the revelers at night and the morning voices of the locals as they prepare to open their shops as the coffee bars come alive.
Eating and drinking is a national pass time and who could not participate in the local traditions of food and drink consumption. Pizzas,calzones, scallopine, wild boar, funghi, assiago cheese, gelato and of course local wines to bring out the full flavour. Though there are many tourists, we find the majority are actually Italian as they take advantage of all the internationals having gone home. Saluti!!
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