Lucca, Italy

Last night we decided to set our alarm for 5.30am so we could head into Lucca on our bikes and have the town to ourselves to take some pictures.
As the alarm sounded, a decision was quickly made to reset it for 6.15am, a much more timely hour when the reality of your previous nights decision sets in.
Take two, we head into Lucca on our bikes at 6.30am and still virtually have the town to ourselves, bar a few garbage trucks and early morning beggars getting their prime position for the day.
The distance around the top of the town wall measures just shy of 5kms in radius. It is as wide as a road and fortunately no cars are allowed on it so perfect for pedestrians.
Once we had completed the round trip of the wall we rode into the town and saw most of what we had missed the previous day. A few snaps later and I was back on the town wall going for a run whilst Hughy pedalled around looking for the supermarket we couldn’t find the previous night.
I’m not sure if its the extra kilos I am now carrying, the heat or the ride beforehand, but the run was tough on the legs. I’ll put it down to all 3 and settle for a rest day tomorrow as all athletes do!! Only 9 days until the Masters Games, I best start preparing diet wise, it seems to be letting me down.
Success on the supermarket front, so back to our apartment for brekky and a re group before embarking on our journey to the Tower of Pisa.
One thing we have noticed about Lucca is how hot it is. We thought as we moved further North the heat would subside somewhat, but it feels to be getting hotter and hotter and today was no exception.
Out train trip to Pisa was pleasant enough, air conditioned carriages and only a 10 minute walk to the Tower, thank goodness, as the heat disembarking from the train hit you like a Kate Sergeant command on a Saturday morning, it was harsh.
As expected there were crowds of people, but not too packed that you couldn’t walk around the souvenir upon souvenir shops lining the walk to the Tower. In addition to the Tower there is of course a Piazza del Duomo, the Bapistry and Knights Square, all surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns.
Hugh and I decided to take a picture making it look like we were holding up the Tower, and would you believe, everyone else then followed our lead. I think this might catch on!!!
A few photos later and we were heading back to the train station for our journey home. A quick visit but our intention was only to see the Tower and in the heat of the day, that was enough.
After many confusing walks across the train platforms trying to find the right one, due to a lack of signage, something all too common in Italy which we find very frustrating at times, we boarded our non air conditioned train for an agonising 30 minute ride home. Man, it was hot and to describe how sweaty we were would only put you off your dinner.
Back home for a shower and some much needed Rancho Relaxo before getting ready for our night out at the Sigur Ros concert, and let me tell you, Hughy is beside himself with excitement, concert T-Shirt already purchased to mark the occasion.
Whilst I only know 2 Sigur Ros songs at best, their concert was fantastic. They played for 2 hours and it must be the only concert I have ever been to where no one in the audience sings along as it is all sung in Icelandic! Hence, there was no banter in between songs either and what thanks they gave the audience was in English anyway.
They might appear as a weird **** bunch of musicians but they sure know how to play music and get the crowd going.
A final Spritzer or two to review the concert then homeward bound. Another long day on our feet and another one to come tomorrow as we navigate 3 trains to arrive in the Cinque Terra and finally meet up with Kate, Maddy and Sal for a few days.