Hey. My name is Lucca. I live upstairs from you... This is the song that is continously played in my head as I spend a few days in this little town between Firenze and Cinque Terre. Lucca is famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls surrounding the city, and this is broad enough for a road on top of it. People here go for walks, jog, cycle and relax in the parks. I love this town and there are many small streets with interesting shops and restaurants. I'm ...

So where to next? I don't know if I can take more churches now - it started in Barcelona and that's a while ago. People say that Cinque Terre is a great place to relax and see a bit of nature even if it's touristy as well. 'Italian riviera' sounds nice. I decide to go and Arabella helps me to make a reservation in one of the five villages that are strung like beads on a necklace along the coast: Monterosso al mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. T...

The boss lady in the Hostel in Assisi has a husband, and he gives me a lift to the train station. The entire trip, though not long, is one awkward silence, but I'm glad to be given a lift. I board the train and enjoy another journey through the beautiful Italian landscape. I travel north east to Firenze. In English it's Florence off course, and the first ever nurse was named after this city because she was born here: Florence Nightingale. I've always been fascina...

The next day for breakfast I also meet Lloyd from Australia, he wants to go to the sanctuary as well, and we're happy to share his company. We set off a bit later than planned, but we're not too concerned; it's a lovely day and we make our way to the cathedral where we're to meet Flavia and her boyfriend. Lloyd is a bit worried about money, last time he wanted some money from the ATM, his card was rejected. Marcel is worried about the girl he went out with last n...

When I get up the next morning, the freshness of the place is still everywhere. After breakfast I meander up the hill between the olive orchards to Assisi town itself. I just walk through cobbled streets, choosing whichever street seems to lead me to the top of the mountain. The day is just starting and people are busy opening their shop or cafe for the day, but not too busy to greet me with a cheerful 'Buon Giorno'. It's a sunny day and take my time, looking at ...