November 11, 2012

Tuscany Trip–Day 1 Lucca

Karyl arrived in Germany on October 20th and stayed for a month until November 19th.  It was so nice to have such a long visit with her.  We were able to do a lot of great travel things with her, but also have several days to enjoy every day life with her and our kids.  We LOVED it.  For our last week with her here, Dave flew in and we spent six fun, filled days in Tuscany, Italy. It was an awesome trip! 
On Sunday November 11th we flew on Ryan Air from Frankfurt Hahn airport to Pisa Italy.  We were able to secure our luggage and rental car really fast and then we were on our way to our first city:  Lucca.  We rented a large oversized van that fit 9 people.  Hanna rode up front with Jared and Dave.  Karyl, Carter and I had the middle bench, and Jake, Josh, and Cole took the back.  It was a perfect fit. 
Unfortunately, our weather on Sunday was less than desirable.  We did as much as we could in Lucca despite the constant rain.  We walked around and kind of had the whole city to ourselves.  We found some lunch and some of the churches, and then walked along their city wall which is now turned into leisurely park areas and places to bike. 
Lucca wall
Lucca’s most impressive sight is definitely its Ramaparts left over from Roman times.  They have since been converted into park areas with grass and areas to picnic.  When the weather is good these Ramparts (remnants of the defensive wall) are crowded with many bikers enjoying a leisurely stroll or bike ride.  Lucca and its wall has remained in tact for nearly 600 years and never been bombed or destroyed only added to and reinforced as the need grew when the cannon was introduced.  It is known today for being Europe’s leading producer of toilet paper and kleenex having a monopoly on the machinery that produces it.  Well preserved with Romanesque churches around every corner, Lucca is a cool place to visit. 
Lucca Jake
As I framed and shot this picture, I remember thinking, “I’m back in Italy”!  So unique and pretty. 
Lucca blue door
Lucca gate
Lucca bike
San Michele’s Church and Bell tower. 
Lucca church front  Lucca red umbrella Lucca church  Lucca group shot
  Lucca street corner
The weather made us cut our day a little short but we swung by Volterra for dinner before driving to our awesome rental home! 

1 comment:

Lisa said...

Pictures look great despite the rain.
Can't wait to see the rest!