Ciao,

We worked on the website this morning then went to the wall. The wind was so bad and it was cold so we could only do part of the wall. We each have only one light jacket and just packed that for evenings. Most days here we are wearing them all the time. Abbiamo finito la passeggiata all'interno della città.  (We finished the walk inside the city.) Ci molto piace la città di Lucca. (We really like the city of Lucca.) So much going on.

We have to adjust in crappy weather. By the time we were done we had walked 11,000 steps before lunch. We went to Ann & Leo for lunch but it was full. Went to our standby Vispa Teresa but it was closed. Stopped at a store bought some bread and tomatoes and went home for sandwiches.

In the afternoon we went back to the Piazza San Michele to watch the Compagnia Balestrieri.  This is a presentation by a group born in Lucca about 50 years go. They set up a company of crossbowmen with the aim of reviving the antique Palio della Balestra, played constantly in Lucca between the 12th and 17th centuries.

We watched the parade of crossbowmen, flag wavers, musicians and Renaissance dancers.  Then watched the medieval archery competition. The procession and costumes were impressive. It was very windy but we were impressed how accurate the archers were.

For dinner we stopped at several restaurants that were full or closed. Finally picked one that we have never been to and the food was good but, not to our usual standards.

Checked the football scores later and saw that the Steelers won.

Click on a pictures to see a slideshow - you can pause or go back using buttons on lower left of slide show

September 17