On Sunday we headed to the Cinque Terra by train to Monterosso, not long after we were heading back to La Spezia as the already grey sky erupted into a storm that had blown in from the Mediterranean. We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up Kellys then Charlie cooked us one of the Tuscan dishes we had done at our school.
Yesterday with weather still dull we headed off by car to Lucca, on the way it rained a fair bit especially as we got closer BUT luckily that passed & our day there way GREAT! Lucca is an ancient walled town from Roman times long ago, that has evolved throughout the centuries. The narrow streets, the amazing buildings, the many churches & piazzas all tell the story of a rich history of silk making & merchant banking. Lucca has been one of the rare places in Europe that has never been taken in times of war & has always held it's independence. Firstly we had a wander round the many beautiful shops that now adorn the business district followed by a 2 hr tour by a local lady who was very passionate about her hometown & it's amazing story. Puccini is a son of Lucca who is yearly honored in September with concerts & other celebrations. What a great day & place! A lovely evening followed with Vinny cooking us a rabbit casserole for dinner which was delicious. Off to the Cinque Terra today as the weather is clear.