Lucca was also a former Roman colony founded in 180 B.C. In the 16th and 17th centuries, huge ramparts were built around the entire city. They still exist today (and we ate our picnic lunch up on part of them). Puccini lived in Lucca and the house were he composed La Bohéme can be visited. The streets of Lucca still follow the plan laid out by the Romans over 2000 years ago. I liked Lucca for a variety of reasons. First, it's a great old city with small, narrow streets to explore. Second, it has a beautiful cathedral (named San Michele in Foro) with an amazing facade (located where the old Roman forum existed - hence "Foro"). Third, Napolean's sister, Elisa Baciocchi ruled Lucca from 1805 to 1815. There are many things named after her. We took lots of pictures with me (my name is Elissa - pronounced the same way as Elisa) and the things named after her - as you can see.
We left Lucca and came back to Solaro around 6 p.m. Megan McCaffrey-Guerrera, the woman who helped me find the house we're staying in, invited us over for drinks and appetizers before dinner. We had a great time hanging out with her, her husband Luigi, and some friends of theirs. After, we went to a little, local restaurant for a late dinner. Megan's been extremely helpful. She also helps set up tours for travelers as well as cooking classes.
If you'd like to come to this area of the world, you can contact Megan at:
BELLA VITA ITALIA, llc
"Your Personal Concierge for Italy..."
www.bellavitaitalia.com
On Friday we relaxed and went to the "secret beach" at San Teranzo (it's much less crowded and around the bend from the big beach everyone else goes to around here). Hillary bought the girls bikinis (very few girls/women where one pieces. In fact, most little girls where only their bikini bottoms). We met them at the beach (after buying a beach umbrella) and hung out for the afternoon. Later, we cooked another great meal at the house with buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil; carpaccio; olive tapenade; mushroom brie; and gnocchi.
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