Beware of the American Bikers! — Lucca, Italy
I haven't been out of Florence for a couple of weeks and, while this isn't a bad thing, I was definitely itching to get out of the city's borders and start crossing things off my "what to see in Europe" list. Luckily my program includes various excursions outside of the city! Last time we went on a Mediterranean cruise, this time we biked around the beautiful city of Lucca.
Not going to lie, I was a little terrified about biking around an Italian city because the streets are crowded and I've already experienced my fair share of near death experiences by an impatient Italian biker. The passive agressive ringing of the bike bell is something that was popular in Berlin, too. Whenever I hear one I freeze because it is near impossible to tell what side of you the biker is trying to pass on, even if you do you'll only get in the way. All of this to say, I knew that I don't have what it takes to weave through Italian streets.
Although Lucca was founded by the Etruscans, it became a Roman colony in 180 BC (aren't my Googling skills fabulous?!) and there are still traces of its Roman beginnings (that I knew). The city's center is surrounded by a wall that originally served to keep invaders like the Florentines out. The wall has been surprisingly well maintained and now has a path that is a perfect place for biking and running. Runners don't get stared at in Lucca!
We had a gorgeous day for our bike tour and, on my bright lime green bicycle, over forty Americans took Lucca by storm...with bells and everything! Our guide explained the history behind the walls then took us into the city to pass by some of the beautiful churches. I not only survived my first Italian biking experience but also managed to snap some photos! Talk about multitasking and putting your life at risk!
After the tour we were released for lunch. A friend and I (her name's Tara, she's awesome) chose to return to one of our tour sites--the site of the old Roman amphitheater. Gladiators and animals had fought to the death where I ate my salmon penne. The entry arches are still intact but now instead of having deadly animals enter through a chute there are stores and cafes.
Lucca was small enough to conquer in a mere hour and a half, conquer the highlights anyway! Tara and I climbed the Guinigi Tower, one of Lucca's 14th century towers that has amazing views of Lucca and an oak tree growing at the top. We also were able to pause and appreciate the many churches that we'd pedaled past earlier. I wish the pictures did all of it justice!
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario