The trains were back in full service today so off to Lucca we sped this afternoon. The one and a half hour ride was smooth and relaxing. We walked through the famous walls of Lucca passing by the Guinici tower (which some of our folks later climbed to the rooftop garden) on our way to Piazza Anfiteatro. This grand plaza was built around the ancient Roman amphitheater walls during the middle ages. It is a wonderful place for people watching as you will see in the photos. The rain forced us into gelato and coffee shops for more indulgences - ha! But the skies cleared as we headed back to the train station for our trip back home. It was nice to be in lovely Lucca today! More later . . .Ciao!
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"Cambio di Programma" Change of Plans - Sept. 18
Our original plan for today was a train trip to Lucca. However due to a 24-hour strike of railway workers, we will be going tomorrow instead. After a leisurely morning we took a walk-about in Florence beginning at Santa Maria Novella piazza. We visited the centuries-old pharmacy turned perfumery began by the monks of SMN selling their elixers, salves and other remedies. We passed through the Strozzi Palazo and on to Piazza Republica ending up at Leonardo's cafeteria for some lunch. The rest of the day was free for our own pursuits. Just a few photos today but there will be lots more later . . .Ciao!