Monday May 5 - Orsanmichele Museum, Train to Lucca

Dropped off our suitcases at the train station and walked over to the Orsanmichele Museum.  We were in a bit of a hurry and "forgot" to check out the main floor but went right upstairs where we saw the original sculptures that used to be displayed all around the outside wall of the building.  Then up another floor for great 360-degree views of the city.

This building (the Orsanmichele Museum) was one that Lise pointed out that first day when we were walking around Florence.  Mounted all around the outside walls are sculptures commissioned by various guilds.  Apparently this was accomplished over a long period of time (150 years?), and the last guild to finish was the lawyers who had to be threatened to finish.  (Not sure what that says about lawyers...).  

The sculptures are by different sculptors in different styles.  One of them (of St. George, by Donatello for the weapons guild) is notable because Michaelangelo took inspiration from it when he created his David - and you can see that the face is very similar.









 

Duomo from terrace restaurant

For lunch we went to La Rinascente, the department store on Piazza Repubblica, and this time, since the weather is nice, we got to sit outside on the terrace at the top with a fantastic view of the Duomo - so close you can practically touch it!  Good salads: caprese (me and Toby) and tuna nicoise (Marian and Harry).

Back to train station, picked up our bags, but MISSED the train we had planned to catch by about 20 seconds, doors closing as we ran after it.  The next one wasn't for an hour but it worked out ok, we just sat and relaxed until it came.  The 1.5 hour ride to Lucca was very pleasant, through lovely countryside, very green, farms, vineyards, towns - everyone has a garden! 

Arrived in Lucca, got a map at the tourist information center (so nice that they have this service for travellers).  Headed for our apartment on Viale Giovanni Pacini 3, about .7 mile but it seemed longer as we were tired and dragging our heavy suitcases over gravel sidewalks and dodging traffic everywhere.  Finally found it and met Mrs. Sonia our host, a very busy lady - she said she manages 40 properties!   We're in a great location, just outside the wall, very close to the Elisa gate (east side of the city).

Our apartment is a nicely converted attic but because the roof slants on every side it's hard for some of us to stand up in some parts.  Much bumping of heads ensued over the next few days.  Poor Harry was especially unlucky.  We've dubbed this apartment our "hobbit house."    Otherwise it's very comfortable.  We'll be here 5 nights. Mrs. Sonia gave us some info about the area - grocery store, pizza restaurant, where to rent bikes etc.  

Dinner:  We walked around the block to the pizza place she had recommended (Pizzeria Le Mura, Viale C. Castracani, 154) and it was fabulous.  Friendly neighborhood vibe.  Had delicious pizza and salads, in interesting and unusual combinations.  Our waiter was a young man who was very sweet and actually seemed to enjoy waiting on us foreigners.  After our meal he even brought us some lemoncello.  Yum yum very lemony - never tasted anything quite like it.