Lovely Lucca, Wednesday, 9/21/22 -Friday, 9/23/22
After all the Rick Steves' cautions regarding bag management (and the RS website pics featuring tour participants rolling/carrying their bags down a street) we finally experience this aspect of touring for ourselves.
We say our final goodbyes to Rudy (much hugging & crying) at the drop-off point outside the Lucca walls. We are on our own from now on and begin the trek to the center of Lucca (inside the walls). A patch of gravel gives my carry-on wheels a bit of trouble, but the case is small and light and easy to hoist over the spot (thank you Rick Steves for your awesome advice). It's smooth sailing after that.
Our fabulous Lucca hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli
The sun is down by the time Rita & I (and Colleen & Chris) decided on a lovely sidewalk restaurant a few paces down the way from the hotel (a handful of folks from our group are already there). Like every other meal we share with our tour friends, this one features good conversation, food and wine. And laughter.
I try not to dwell on the sadness I know I'll feel when, in just thirty-six hours, we all part company for good.
Lovely Lucca, Thursday, 9/22/22
Tour Day
After breakfast, we take off to meet our local who gives us a tour of Lucca.
Chris, Rita, Bonnie, Colleen, Kat
Post dinner photo of "The Five"
Pre-Dinner Opera Performance
What's "Puccini's" Lucca without an opera performance? Thankfully, we don't find out. Our pre-dinner performance is fabulous and we're sure nothing will equal it (dinner later does).
Singing the Story
Talk about a story:
Bill of California is telling one with his expression (see left).
While our singer tells another (about the song she will soon sing).
Lovely Lucca, Friday, 9/23/22
Goodbye & Farewell
The Fab Four in the Lobby of our Lucca Hotel
(Prior to Departure)
Rita & I agree that getting to know and spend so much "girl" time with Chris & Colleen & Bonnie made an awesome trip even more incredible.
We did not expect to make such lovely friends (of everyone in our group). Until we meet again. Ciao!