Sopra le Mure, Sotto il Sole

Saturday we took a group field trip to Lucca, the township from which my Italian ancestors originated. Being one of my favorite towns in Italy, I was very pleased to return-and with a knowledgeable history professor, at that! The weather was spendid, so we leisurely strolled around the city, stopping in churches, climbing a tower to take in the views, basking in the sun, and finally riding bikes around the medieval walls.

A funny coincidence was that the restaurant the history professor took me to ended up being the exact same one that I had chosen for my family when we visited three years ago. Apparently Trattoria da Leo is the place to go in Lucca. Cute side story is that the little baby sitting at the table right next to me was named Luca. Lucca this, Luca that...I think it's a sign that my first-born will in fact be named as such. You shall see.

I'd like to thank the sun, who made this picture possible.

Just another beautiful roof-top view of another charming Tuscan town atop another tall tower. This one had trees growing out the top, though!

L-U-C-C-A

Chiesa S. Michele, just like my church at home,
only with a lot more columns and marble.

I gotta give this one to Signore Sole, too.
Me and Fabrizio, the history prof, soakin' up that Tuscan Sun.

Braving photography mid-pedal

Best lion's face I've ever seen. I'd call it a sarcastic pout, perhaps?

No, this is not me taking a picture of myself riding a bike while dodging small dogs and children. That would be dangerous.

Rick Steve's was right, as usual: biking around the walls of Lucca is the number one thing to do while there. It was one of the most wonderful things I've done in Italy; or well, ever. Riding up high around the city walls while wind blows through my hair and sun lavishes over all, surrounded by families and puppies, red-stained roofs and bikes, all the while catching the contagious laughter that floats through the freshness and sticks to my soul.