Florence, Siena, San Gimignano

Yes, it’s been a while between blogs, but, for those of you who have ever stayed with family while on holidays, you know what it’s like!


Firenze

Between listening to the entrancing tales from elderly uncles, enjoying delicious lunches and late dinners, strolling through the old town of Lucca and surrounding suburbs to absorb as much of the local ambience as possible AND the sightseeing…..the time left for blogging, this week, has been relegated to second place. For this blog we’ll let the photos say it all, so enjoy! 

Ponte Vecchio at Sunset.....



The Duomo





.....it truly was a memorable night....!



Riccardo and family with us at dinner

  More and more though, we feel so at home here in Lucca, the familiarity of the streets, knowing where the Tabacchi are for bus tickets, which buses to catch (and more importantly, where to get off!), which shop to re-visit (thankfully marked on our map!) and just having that sense of being a local. It has been amazing, we will never forget the love, generosity and sense of family we have experienced here .
 


The view of the viaduct (and Tina) from Riccardo's house

Paul with MORE shopping!!

Today we have the arduous task of trying to pack! Why did I buy so many shoes! We’ve decided to each send home a 10kg parcel of clothing (yes, we did pack way too many, and for now, no longer need jackets or long pants) and bits and pieces we can live without for the next few weeks. Thankfully for us, a PT (Post Office) is just up the street!  This however does NOT stop Paul from adding to the problem!!


Today too, we say farewell to Zia Nila and Zio Elio at Quattro Venti, the house in the hills. Zio Elio is a quiet man, however, I know Elio will shed many tears today. For Elio, these tears are filled with emotion and speak a thousand words of love.
 

It will be incredibly hard for both of us to leave tomorrow, it has already become difficult in these last days. Zio Sergio with his kind eyes and soft voice is always ready to greet us with a hug. We will miss his spontaneous evening visits and sitting outside with his daughter Monika looking at the fireflies .Cheeky  Zio Piero, the optimist, says that we may meet again but perhaps not here, and that the circle of life keeps on going. I would love for him to come to Australia with us and return in July with my parents…. But, to the Italians, Australia is TOO far away!

Zia Elsa has been amazing to us. She is quiet and calm (tranquile), and always loving (and a fantastic cook too). We are most grateful for their hospitality and generosity. Paul loves the way Zio Piero relaxes around the house in his white t-shirt and underwear…..no pants!

All roads lead to Rome. Hope we can find one tomorrow…..