TUSCANY WITH PATRIZIA

Today ten of us took an optional day trip to the hilltop town of Cortona and then on to the town of St. Francis - Assisi. Lou and Liz made a trip to Rome and Oliver and Suzanne were on a "business trip" to Lecco on Lake Como. After successfully climbing up the steepest street in Cortona from the bus stop we enjoyed seeing the charming town, did a little shopping and had cappuccino. There happened to be a wedding at the city hall so we smiled at the bride and groom as they came through the streets. On to Assisi where we had a quick lunch and then toured the churches of St. Clare and St. Francis including a walk through the main streets. Back in Florence we celebrated the end of the day with good house wine and delicious food at our favorite "ristorante" - Nerone's. It was good to the last crumb - you'll see in the pics! More later. . .

There's more to see here:

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We took our first train trip together this afternoon to Lucca. After an hour and twenty minutes we were there and ready for our introduction to this lovely city. Lucca is completed surrounded by a wall that was constructed in the 14th century of brick-faced dirt ten feet wide. No longer needed for defense (unless they decide to keep the tourists out!), they now are a beautiful two and a half mile walking and biking path around the city. Our first venue was the Piazza Anfiteatro that once was the Roman amphitheater but now has nice buildings and outdoor cafes. We enjoyed lunch there and then everyone wandered around and we met again at the train station for our ride back to Florence. More later . . .