Sometimes, when you’re in the middle of a kiss, you realize that it’s not just a kiss, but a really good kiss. And the moment you realize this, your stomach flips, your toes curl, and your brain goes very, very soft — so soft that you wouldn’t be able to think any important thoughts, even if it became absolutely necessary. And you sigh. In defeat as much as satisfaction, because the kiss has won out over everything else.
That is what Lucca is like. A very good kiss.
The trees raining their leaves – dinner plate sized sheets in yellows and browns, and the smell of bread baking, and the voices of old men arguing about politics and sports as they shuffle by, and the winding cobblestone streets almost vacant of other tourists. I’ve walked the top of the city walls for hours, once at sunset, to watch the sky turn pink against the hills. My camera is useless here. There’s just too much to take in.
I am beginning to think this place is enchanted. I tried to leave — only for the afternoon, to see Pisa and its all-important tower — and met with a train strike. The man at the Tabacchiere smiled as he told me.
“No trains until… cinque,” he said, holding up five fingers.
I smiled in return. “No trains,” I repeated. “I guess that means I should get some gelato and go for a walk.”
He grinned again. “Good, Bella. Very good.”
So I walked, and then sat in a shower of leaves, read some Paul Auster, and thought, “Yes. Good. Very good.”
(A permanent link to my travel blog, On the Road, is in the drop down box on the right)
Lucca is for lovers. I’ve been there twice and always wished I had a date to rent tandem bicycles or make-out on top of the wall like the other kids –the Italian equivilent of a drive-in movie.
And even though the olive oil is excellent in Lucca (should be newly pressed soon?), I don’t recommend buying it –it’s a pain in the pass to carry for weeks.
I could use a little of both of those, Lucca AND a good kiss.
Luckily, sometimes a cup of coffee can be just as good. OK, not really, but that’s what I’m telling myself.
Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been to Lucca, and felt the same way. It was an unseasonably hot summer in Italy and for some reason that day was cold and rainy. We sat around in cafes and drank coffee and watch locals all day.
Want.
wantwantwantwantwantwant…
happy travels,
L
What a beautiful post. Now I want to go to Lucca!
The “scioperi” are a pain in the butt…until you realize you find the best things when you can’t go anywhere!
Can’t wait to hear what you think of Cinque Terre…if I may make a suggestion, hike to the restaurant in an old castle tower just south of Vernazza on the hiking path. It’s AMAZING.
thank you for the distraction of having me reminisce not only of a kiss that rare, but of times in cities that felt exactly like that. oh, and i think when you’re done with the italy trip that you should totally give us a list of your favorite flavors at your favorite gelato places.
we don’t need pictures with descriptions like that… awesome post! now all i want to do is go kiss someone.
In boca al lupo. In boca al lupo.
Sigh.
Sounds like heaven on a plate. My brain has gone soft just thinking about it. Thank you.
Lucca is my absolute favorite city in Italy! I am glad you had a chance to enjoy it. I actually rented a bike when I was there and rode around the wall. Then during lunch was serendaded by a musical quartet. The best food, best people and best atmosphere were definitely in Lucca!
Jealous I am. OH how Italian men get to me… and to be called Bella… lovely!
Wow, this post just touches me right in that warm and mushy part of the soul…that spot right behind the place where tears come from when watching Hallmark commercials.
The spot that really wants to find a place that’s just like a good kiss. What a beautiful comparison.
Oh thank you! I never noticed that box before, so now I get a whole new set of blogs to look at, in addition to On the Road.
interested: describes what makes a “great” kiss.
Never been…until now.
Beautiful!
Yes, what a wonderful excuse to stay in that town (Lucca) and soak up the ambiance… And sounds like you did a wonderful job of it! And Paul Auster — good choice. Which one are you reading? I absolutely adored Moon Palace and Oracle Night…
Your description of Lucca in those opening two paragraphs just blew me away.
Loved it. Noted it down. Hope to write that well one day.