Today's 'tour' isn't really a tour. Essentially, its just us and a driver who's taking us to Lucca and Pisa. Mateo I, because tomorrow is Mateo II, is very nice and knowledgeable. (No, I really don't say that about every guide we had; wait til tomorrow.) While driving we talk and I mention my daily, one way 40 mile commute. He swears in Italian. Later on, I'll mention I grew up in RI which has a high population of Italian immigrants so I knew what he said earlier. He's so cute when he blushes! 
 Anyways, he drives us out to Lucca, the city of a hundred churches. The kids groan. He has my twisted sense or humor; I like that. We wander leisurely around the city. Really nice little town that I wish we could have spent more time in. Puccini was born here so for Ryan and I that means something; Paige , not so much. Mateo leaves us on our own for lunch so we go over to the Piazza Napoleon for a bite then walk along the wall to go back to the van. Nice and slow paced day.
 
Next, he drives us to Pisa. Pisa reminds me of Rome - got to do it and so does every other tourist in the area. Beautiful but crowded. Funny story: we stop to have gelato and use the bathroom. Bathrooms are a prized commodity around here so there are some long waits. Except at this place. Now, we really picked it for the gelato not the short line but if that's the way it works out, so be it. Well, the reason there was such a short line was because there were no Americans in it. Why? Two words - pit toilet. Good thing we went to Hong Kong so it was no big deal for us. And it was fun watching the unsuspecting tourist walk out of there throwing a fit. Heh heh.

As Mateo drives us back he points out the Marble quarries along the way. He was saying something else and I fell asleep. I never fall asleep in the car never mind with a stranger driving! That is how comfortable we were with him. And maybe still a little tired from the early morning of ballooning.