FLORENCE

We couldn't visit Florence without paying a visit to Michelangelo's famous  "David" - Good thing we were told to prebook our tickets, as you can see from the queue, he's a very popular boy. 

Then a walk over Ponte Vecchio - it is one of the oldest & most photographed bridges in Florence (I thought the shops on the bridge looked like they were ready to topple into the Arno river)

As you pass over the bridge it is lined on both sides with jewellery shops

 Up to the Piazzale Michelangelo (lots of steps) for a great view of the city

Florence was incredibly crowded & full of people begging or trying to sell you their products of imitation brands - It is actually an offence in Florence to purchase imitation designer brands on the street - so remember - if caught, you will be charged.

Churches everywhere

Exhausted we made our way back to Lucca on a very slow train.

 

EXPLORING LUCCA

We climbed to the top of one of the many bell towers to view Lucca from above. 

This tower had trees growing on top of it.

The city was full of charm with friendly happy locals. One night after dinner, Cliff & I went for a walk and came across a street where everyone was dancing on the road (there is no room in the bars)  they were having such a great time. Now you need to understand - the roads are only wide enough for one car, so when a car wanted to pass they would all dance backwards towards the building, let the car through & then dance back to the centre of the road. 

We bought a vino & stood back to watch the fun

Everyone eats very late in Lucca  - we came across a group of children playing soccer at 10pm while mums & dads were eating at the local cafe.

"Husband day care centre" in the piazza - Cliff & Doug quite liked the sound of this one.

You could wander this city for days & not come across the same street twice.

Plenty of international entertainers coming to Lucca for the Summer Festival.

For lunch we decided to go back to our eclectic restaurant to celebrate the birth of our new grandson "Daniel Alexander Connor" - We were feeling very proud.