Amazing Wall City of Lucca

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I love visiting pedestrian friendly cities. Lucca's massive, protective wall traces back to a 2,000 years old Roman fortification. It was upgraded to a medieval wall which is close to the size we see today. The 16th century ramparts are tree-lined and paved wide enough for 5-6 adults to walk side by side. It is approximately 2 1/2 mikes to circle the wall, a popular place for walking, biking and jogging.

Lucca is located near the Serchio River, the third largest river in the Tuscany region. While there are no churches, piazzi or museums featuring famous masterpieces, Lucca is a special place. Walking on the ramparts and sharing a table with strangers was very enjoyable.

The must have in Lucca is the "Best Gelato in Italy." The ice cream was highly recommended by our dear friends John and Pat. All the flavors were superbly delicious!  

Our 7 hours excursion included two hours on a slow train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and less than an hour via express train on the return trip.

Aloha -- Cathi

Mercato Centrale & Meeting Bob & Rosemarie from New York

Aloha Everyone,

According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization), nearly 1/3 of the world's art treasures are in Firenze. While we love to visit churches and museums, today J.J. 

and I decided that it would be more enjoyable for us to just walk the cobble-stoned streets.

Mercado Centrale (Central Market) is a giant covered market operating under an iron and glass building. It is a clean, exciting and fascinating place to visit.

We met Yasuha from Aomori, Japan who has been working there for a year. Her job is to assist Japanese tourists, many of whom do not speak any western languages. Yasuha told us that she loves living in Italy.

The bistecca alla Fiorentina is one of the specialties of Firenze. It is a mammoth sized chargrilled t-bone steak that can easily feed two. The cost for our mega-sized steak was €20. Our total bill for this wonderful lunch was €31 inclusive of a seafood plate and a bottle of acqua minerale con gas.

In front of the Museo San Marco, J.J. and I met Ben and Rosemarie from New York who also were taking a break from their walk. As we exchanged stories, we found out that the four of us have lots in

common -- places we've lived and the lifestyle we love. J.J. and I promised to look them up when we

are in their neighborhood.

Tonight the two of us returned to the 2nd floor of Mercato Centrale where an upscale food court is open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Perfect timing for us who prefer to dine earlier that 7:30 pm. Our dessert of tiny pears with roasted chestnuts were perfect for me to sketch as well as for us to eat.

Aloha -- Cathi

Firenze (Florence) capital of Italy’s Tuscany region

Aloha Everyone,

Firenze is an art lovers' paradise. It is home to many masterpieces of art and architecture from the renaissance period.

J.J. and I started our morning walk in the direction of Ponte Vecchio. This medieval stone covered bridge over the Arno River is one of the main tourist attractions. Today, the shops sell expensive luxury items including gold, silver and jewelry. During World War II the city was severely damaged by the Germans who blew up all its bridges. Only the Ponte Vecchio was left intact. Per a historical account, Hitler had declared it too beautiful to destroy.

On the way to the Duomo, I found a great art supply store, Zecchi Colozi e Belli Arti. With help from Stefano, I was able to purchase a new sketch pad plus 4 beautiful color pencils that are perfect to draw the rustic colors of the Tuscany.

The Duomo was literally being surrounded on all sides with tourists. It is a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi. Giotto, already an accomplished painter, was also an architect who designed the stand alone bell tower. The construction of the Duomo started in 1296 and took 140 years to complete. As you 

can see from my photos, restoration continues. We overheard a guide explain, "...restoration works would and could never end because when they finish, it would mean the end of the Italian Republic."

Our touring day had to be cut short due to afternoon rain which continued with a thunder storm late into the night.

Aloha -- Cathi

A Hiccup On Eurail Travel; To Beautiful Firenze (Florence)

Aloha Everyone,

Things certainly have changed. J.J. and I recall traveling all over Western Europe from U.K to Italy and Scandinavia using our First Class Eurail passes. There were no charges for reservations.

Today we decided to use our Eurail from Padova to Firenze (Florence). We knew that to make a reservation, we have to pay €10 per person, but were not aware that it is now mandatory. Not having reservations costed €36 for two (€10 plus €8 penalty). Not a big set back but we commented that it is an equivalent to the cost of a good lunch in a restaurant.

Gentle rain welcomed us to Firenze. After 3 weeks of traveling in Italy, we are improving our navigation skills. Prior to arriving in a new city, we have either the map or preferably written instructions on how to find our reserved accommodation on my iPhone. This way, even without being online, we can easily locate our destination.

Leisurely lunch at La Grotta Di Leo, a cozy, non-touristic restaurant, to wait for our appointed time to check into our apartment.

We love our "home" for the next 7 days. Novella House is located just 5 minutes walk from the main train station. It is owned and managed by Francesco, his sister Olga and their mother. We have a beautifully renovated room with a garden view and fresco painted on the ceiling. Our ensuite bathroom is about 15 feet away through a narrow hallway. Warm greetings at the front entrance by Francesco, large welcoming food basket in the room and strong WiFi connection in our room. We are comfortably settled and ready to start our week in Firenze.

J.J. and I are thrilled to hear the news that Bob Dylan is the recipient on the 2016 Novel Prize in literature. His songs such as "Blowing in The Wind", "Forever Young" have profound messages and are timeless.

Aloha -- Cathi