Livorno and Lucca

 We must be in Italy - the trains are on strike and my tour to Cinque Terre has been cancelled! Despite this blow to my plans it has opened up the opportunity to visit the beautiful walled city of Lucca. 

I should have known that Murphys Law was well and truly in action when the touts surrounded the door as we exited the bus, were all very keen to sell us umbrellas! 

Unlike some of the walled cities I have visited, the walls of Lucca were wide boulevards where locals and tourists alike were enjoying a leisurely Sunday passeggiata (slow stroll), ride or jog. This contrasted with the narrow alleyways and small piazzas enclosed by the gently sloping walls. The short time frame of 2 hours to see this birth place of Puccini was totally insufficient. Having circumnavigated about a one quarter of the wall, it was down into the town to see the obligatory duomo and wander the cobblestone alleys. 

Shortly thereafter the heavens opened up and I regretted not taking advantage of the umbrella delivery service back at the bus. But ever the entrepreneurials, the touts could be found on every corner we turned and I finally succumbed, handing over my 5 Euros for a very dodgy brolly. As it was Sunday morning not many of the shops were open but those that were provided an insight into life in this small town. It can be expensive! Proscuitto prices were into the hundred plus euro range with the most expensive at €200 per kilo.  This must be the best ham the world! (Later in Monaco and Barcelona I was to see that this was perfectly normal. Can you imagine paying $300 plus/kilo for ham in Australia???) 

Other shops that were open were a welcome haven from the torrential rain with a purchase or two made. 

At least the choice of umbrellas made for some colour in the rain! Cafes and restaurants around the Ampitheatre Square were not so busy. 

The day we visited the streets were being decorated for one of annual religious festivals. Unfortunately the main attraction would be held in the evening, long after we had departed for the ship. It would have been wonderful to to have seen the houses and squares lit up by candle light.  Residents surround the windows and line the external walls of their houses with candles. 

My dodgy umbrella only lasted long enough to get me back to the bus where it was then promptly discarded with its broken prongs into the nearest bin. 

Getting back on board the ship in Livorno was another challenge.  The wind had sprung up to gale force and as we were about to cross from the small terminal to the ship, one of the gangway canopies went flying and crashing along the dockside and several guests also tumbled. Confined to the terminal for about 20 minutes the rain was travelling horizontal but we made the most of some brief internet connection. 

With time in the afternoon for a walk into the town of Liverno from the port.  It has an area referred to the Venice neighbourhood due to its canals but it's a very poor relation.