We pulled into Lucca right on time (on Monday, September 6), 1 hour 20 minutes just wasn't enough time to rest my shoulders. We followed everyone out of the station, fingers crossed it's the right way, and started to walk towards the wall. We had looked at a map last night and knew the hotel was a couple of streets away from one of the gates.
Thankfully within a few minutes we were at the hotel - goodbye elephant (just for a short while).
We headed out to locate the information center, which was easier said than done! The first two we went to were closed, either for lunch or due to the fact it's a Monday. Was lovely to be wandering the streets again, I'm very lucky as this is my second visit to Lucca in 5 months.
Bridget had read about a daily walk of Lucca so after our two failed attempts we headed off to wait for it to start. Unfortunately things have changed since the book was published - the walk only happens on Saturdays now. What a buggar, never to mind we will do our own walk.
After finally locating an information center we were mapped up and ready to explore. Lucca has such a lovely quiet feel to it, especially after the hassle and bassle of Firenze. Inside the walls the number of cars are controlled, with the majority of people either walking or biking. I'm sure some people get a sore thumb from ringing their bike bell all the time!
Early evening we headed back to our hotel, we still had Lambrusco to drink and given I already had one bottle to take with me there was no way I'd be taking another one!!!
We set off for dinner just after 8pm and after a couple of wrong turns, we finally got to restaurant 40 minutes later......
Dinner was delicious! I can't believe it's our last one together in Italia, the time seems to have gone by so quickly.
Tuesday morning I was up early after a short night. Had to pack up (Grrrr I hate this part!) again. Once we were all done we headed out in search of breakfast - coffee of course! A couple of hours wandering around went quickly and it was time for me to go and collect my bags to head to the bus station. Aah putting on elephant again.
The bus was late leaving Lucca and thankfully I was able to buy a ticket from the driver, the quee inside was crazy long and moving slower than a snail. The trip to Pisa train station was fine, lots of different scenery to look at. I had just under 1 hour before my train to Roma and wasted 20 minutes in line to ensure I had everything correct for my ticket (which I'd purchased online). All good so spent the remaining time on the platform waiting waiting waiting. Today is going to be all about that unfortunately and all going well I should make it to my final destination 15 hours after leaving Lucca.
I was very surprised the train was basically empty, a nice change from all the other trains I've been on. We got to Roma Termini 20 minutes late, so instead of a 20 minute wait for the train to the airport I had a 50 minute wait. Ooh well. Diet Coke was having a promotion so after getting a tiny can I brought my ticket and was set.
Getting onto the train to the airport was amusing - there were "train helpers" at each door wanting to help you get up the stairs....in exchange for some money of course! I had two near me discussing how much they had. Such a different world!
On checking in for my flight (which I must say I'm excited about, first flight in over 6 weeks) I was told they cannot take my pack for another hour - what a pain! I used the time to sort through my photos which one day will make it to my website.....
Finally the time came to part with my pack, ye ha I'd been waiting for this time all day!
I cleared through security and was off, now to find a plug socket to charge my iPhone. The only free place had me sitting on the floor like a peasant (sorry peasants) with everybody staring at me as they walked by. Oh well it's a good way to pass time given I have 3 hours to my flight. If only I was flying a oneworld carrier life would be very different right now!!!! Mental note to oneself, always fly an airline that's part of your mileage program.
I was getting hungry so decided I could waste a good half an hour going and having a glass of vino. Found a place that did salads, what I've been craving for the past week so settled in. I was on my last few mouthfuls and a slug decided to make an appearance.....oh dear this is not good! My vino and aqua was skulled and I asked for the cheque. Time to get out of here quick fast. They were very nice and didn't charge me for the salad, makes up for the high cost I paid for wifi.
It's now 20 minutes to boarding, finally the time has come. Decided to find a socket for the last minute charging and on searching checked the departure boards quickly - you have to be kidding me we are 1 hour delayed. Wholly smoke, my day has just got ooh so much longer.
Boarding finally began and on walking down the gangway I notice we have to get onto a bus and it's raining - great, not! Fingers crossed we make up some time otherwise the rate we are going it will be 3am before I make it to the hotel. I remember someone telling me never to fly Alitalia as they are always delayed, I'm now kicking myself I didn't listen to them.
Standing on a mozzie infested bus for 15 minutes is definitely not my idea of fun. I've been attacked like I was in Venice. To say I'm tired and pissed off is an understatement - I should have swam, it would have been a darn sight quicker and easier!! So we arrive to the plane and spend at least 5 minutes locked inside the bus - it feels like so much longer. This really is getting past a joke. I just want to be tucked up in bed in my hotel.
We finally take off thankfully and are up up and away.
Arrivederci Italia, grazie Millie. I will return soon!
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