En route to Firenze (Florence)
Sept. 24 – The route to Firenze took us through several towns, the port/resort town of La Spezia, Carrara, and Massa before we entered the rolling hills and pastoral scenery of Tuscany. Going through the outskirts of Carrara we could see the cuts in the quarries where marble is excavated. We passed many marble warehouses where marble is cut and finished. Our first stop was in Lucca, a walled town where the ancient city co-exists harmoniously with contemporary lifestyles. Here we found the fountain of life – or at least an old tap where the locals come to fill their water bottles, claiming that the water cures all ailments. We filled several bottles there, feeling very pleased with ourselves.
The old town of Lucca is a maze of streets, where high fashion stores operate side by side with ancient churches and other tourist attractions. The old walls encircle the city with a walking/cycling route. From there we had great views of the old city and the scenery beyond.
Sept. 24 – The route to Firenze took us through several towns, the port/resort town of La Spezia, Carrara, and Massa before we entered the rolling hills and pastoral scenery of Tuscany. Going through the outskirts of Carrara we could see the cuts in the quarries where marble is excavated. We passed many marble warehouses where marble is cut and finished. Our first stop was in Lucca, a walled town where the ancient city co-exists harmoniously with contemporary lifestyles. Here we found the fountain of life – or at least an old tap where the locals come to fill their water bottles, claiming that the water cures all ailments. We filled several bottles there, feeling very pleased with ourselves.
The old town of Lucca is a maze of streets, where high fashion stores operate side by side with ancient churches and other tourist attractions. The old walls encircle the city with a walking/cycling route. From there we had great views of the old city and the scenery beyond.
On to Pisa, which I thought of as an obligatory stop to at least say we saw the Leaning Tower, or the Hanging Tower as it is called in the guidebook for Tuscano. (Translation into English, we find, is quite often quite poor, even in the most prestigious museums.) We were very surprised at how beautiful and elegant the Tower and surrounding buildings are. The lean might be interesting, and I do have a photo of Peter pushing it over, but its design and setting are really lovely. The area was mobbed with tourists, but there was plenty space to get great views of the tower and the Duomo.
The next part of the journey was on the Autostrada to make up some time and get to our hotel before dark. At this point the GPS, which we have nicknamed GyPSy, proved its worth. Without the guidance of the very patient voice to warn us which way to go and where the turns were coming up, we would have been a mess. Peter managed the ferocious Firenze traffic snarls like a pro and muscled the car into lanes, just like a local. We arrived with flawless precision at the door of our hotel.
The Hotel Orcagna, just outside the Traffico Controlo Zona, was another pleasant surprise. The cheapest hotel on our trip, pre-paid for by mistake (mine) online, was a great choice. Located in a residential area, walking distance from the city centre, the room was the best on the trip so far. We had a balcony facing an inner courtyard, with a view of typical Florence tile- roofed buildings, golden with the setting sun. We were enthusiastically welcomed by the receptionist who proceeded to explain the where, when and why of the parking situation. Apparently the neighbourhoods of Firenze have street cleaning on appointed nights, at which time all cars have to be off the streets from midnight to 6 am. We were directed to a street for free overnight parking, but with instructions to move it very early in the morning.
The next part of the journey was on the Autostrada to make up some time and get to our hotel before dark. At this point the GPS, which we have nicknamed GyPSy, proved its worth. Without the guidance of the very patient voice to warn us which way to go and where the turns were coming up, we would have been a mess. Peter managed the ferocious Firenze traffic snarls like a pro and muscled the car into lanes, just like a local. We arrived with flawless precision at the door of our hotel.
The Hotel Orcagna, just outside the Traffico Controlo Zona, was another pleasant surprise. The cheapest hotel on our trip, pre-paid for by mistake (mine) online, was a great choice. Located in a residential area, walking distance from the city centre, the room was the best on the trip so far. We had a balcony facing an inner courtyard, with a view of typical Florence tile- roofed buildings, golden with the setting sun. We were enthusiastically welcomed by the receptionist who proceeded to explain the where, when and why of the parking situation. Apparently the neighbourhoods of Firenze have street cleaning on appointed nights, at which time all cars have to be off the streets from midnight to 6 am. We were directed to a street for free overnight parking, but with instructions to move it very early in the morning.
Lucca and Pisa, Tuscany
No comments:
Post a Comment
I hope you enjoy reading about our adventures. Feedback and comments are very welcome.