October 1, 2024
Last night we had heavy rains! Woke me up and couldn’t sleep, so I headed out for a walk. Came back about 45 minutes later, grabbed a quick breakfast. Checked out and we headed out to explore Lucca. It’s known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets. Broad, tree line the pathways along the tops of these massive 16th/17th century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling. We had planned to rent cycles and ride the wall but changed our minds since it was raining.
We walked part of the walkway, then explored the town.
The Torre Guinigi towers over the city. At the top of the 44.5 meter high tower (233 steps), you will find a garden containing oak trees. High above the city this small wood has provided a haven of peace for centuries. There are seven oak trees there, were first planted in the 14th or 15th century but over time they have been replanted. However, the ones at the top at the moment are still thought to be several hundred years old.
View from the top.
Narrow steps.
Back to our hotel to pick up our bags. We walked to the train station to catch the train to Florence. Once in Florence, we walked to the hotel.
Settled in and headed out to explore and have lunch.
Burrata cheese with fresh truffle on rocket salad
Tagliatelle di pasta with fresh truffle 
Hot chocolate…..this was the bexpat I have ever had! 
Got our tickets for the Accamedia Gallery for 7:45 pm. Back at the hotel we did a load of laundry. While I waited I went exploring!
Headed for our gallery time. The Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze, is an art museum in Florence, Italy. It is best known as the home of Michelangelo's sculpture David. It also has other sculptures by Michelangelo and a large collection of paintings by Florentine artists. 
Walked back to the hotel past the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to take some pictures….less people.
They have cute cars here! 
I walked a half marathon today….. climbed 35 floors, 31,157 steps, and 21 km!
October 2. 2024
After breakfast, we went in search for the Hop on and off bus that goes around Florence. We sat on the bus for an hour looking at all the sights. 
Finally got off at Piazzale Michelangelo. Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square) is a square with a panoramic view of Florence. 
The square, dedicated to Michelangelo, has bronze copies of some of his marble works found elsewhere in Florence.
The Rose Garden (Giardino delle rose) 
Next stop…. Ponte Vecchio is a famous bridge near Palazzo Pitti with a fascinating history and beautiful views of the Arno River. The bridge was built during medieval times (1345) and features some beautiful stonework from this era. There have been shops on Ponte Vecchio since the 13th century. Initially, there were all types of shops, including butchers and fishmongers and, later, tanners, the present tenants are jewellers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.
We had a quick sandwich
While waiting for the bus…. A small humming bird
A public pay phone …. Lots of them here.
Sights from our walk back.
I picked up another piece of luggage….. bought too much! 
We hurried back for our 4 pm spa appointment at SoulSpace. We had use of the sauna, heated pool, and a place to just relax. 
Ended our evening with dinner and a walk.
wish I could see how this car was going to get out of this spot! 
October 3, 2024
Woke up to the sound of heavy rain! Breakfast done and off to the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum for our 9:30 am slot in the pouring rain!
Leonardo Interactive Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. It exhibits machines and mechanisms that actually work, designed by Leonardo himself from his famous coded message book. Visitors can operate the prototypes to understand their workings and into Da Vinci's mechanical mind. There is a section where visitors can build some of Leonardo's most important designs. This exceptional man had an extraordinary mind. Life-sized inventions, his war machines, civil engineering machines, and the flying machines showed Leonardo's dream of flight. 
Back to the hotel to dry off! Grabbed lunch and a hot chocolate. Headed off to our cooking class!
Look at the size of the orchard plants
Found a carousel and Julia treated me to a ride. 
Pastamania pasta class was so much fun! We learnt how to make homemade pasta, ravioli, tortellini, and fettuccine and the sauces. “Pommarola” (tomato sauce) and white sauce. 
Time to eat!
This featured blog entry was written by Samchow58 from the blog The next chapter.
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