Since we had our ballots and instructions printed yesterday, our goal today was to buy the envelopes and to get them in the mail–with the proper postage.  I’ve heard some real nightmare stories about the Italian post offices so I was prepared for the worst.  But, lucky us, the post office, just a short walk from our home, was nearly empty.  We got the right envelopes (we hope) and wrapped the marked ballot in the cover sheet and put them into another envelope and the clerk told us it would cost €3.70 each.  She put the stamps on and we paid.  So we did it!  Voted.  Yes!

post office

After voting we started walking around Lucca.  When I saw this woman weaving in the window, I had to go in.  The scarves are a beautiful combination of cashmere and silk  but at around €200, too steep for me.

We called A&L and met them at the San Frediano church.  The big draw here is Saint Zita.  She is the Patron saint of Lucca, of maids and charity and of lost keys.  She lived and died in the 1200’s and her mummified  body is on display at the basilica.

Santa Zita

Lunch was just salad and leftovers at home followed by a rest and packing.  These 2 weeks have really flown!

Ken and I went for a last walk on the walls and back through town.  I’m so glad we got to see Lucca before the ubiquitous white tents were up.  On our first day here they wer beginning to work in Piazza Mapolean and now they seem to be in every piazza and all around the walls.

For dinner we met Lyn and Antonio at Antica Bottega del Fritto da Vito.  This small Neapolitan eatery is just on their corner and they have gotten friendly with Fabbio, the owner and his mom who is here visiting.  It was a great meal.  Ken had the starring dish of pasta with clams, mussels and squid.  I shared some of his and also some grilled veggies.  Watching Lyn talking to Tilda, Fabbio’s mom was the best part, though.

Can’t believe our 2 weeks in Lucca is done.  It seems like a minute.

abstract. from the wall on our corner

Pietra serena– local sandstone is everywhere.