We loaded the bus for the hour or so journey from Lucca to Pisa. On the way we passed by fields of sunflower, a little passed their yellow prime soon ready for harvest; and birch tree paper farms, olive groves and general agricultural loveliness.
We drove through La Sterza, Andrea Bocelli's home town where he returns to play a concert every year. His family is very important to this small town as one might imagine. Young Bocelli's success afforded the family to start a winery and a successful Tractor company, wealth builds wealth as our guide said.
Dario, our guide, gives us little tid bits as the wheels on the bus go round and round in between stops (we will never have longer than a 90 minute bus ride on this tour which is perfect). Here's one, "Something silly, but it's what we say, wave at a flock of white sheep for good luck, bring money. But don't do it at the black sheep or bad luck. It's silly, but it's what we say." Also, "Something funny about this midieval town is the torture museum...." He is always saying, "something funny for me," so charming.
Our first stop was Pisa. Pisa is not only home to the tower, but a very important financial sector in Italy and home to a world class university for Economics. We turned the corner to the sight of a sea of tour busses. Dario had warned us it was pretty commercial, but holy shit, what a zoo. We clambered off the bus and boarded our private little MacDonald's train bus for the 5 minute ride to the gates. Hoards of people, but a stunning square, majestic white buildings against blue sky on green grass. I can imagine how beautiful it would have been on a quiet day. No such luck for us. We took the obligatory hold up the tower pics. So ridiculous, seeing people lined up from all over the world looking at this marvel of artistry and history, all striking the same pose of pointy finger out or outstretched hand or some other such thing. Along with the beauty and the madness of it all, you can't help but imagine what it took to build such monstrosities. We all agreed that yes, these are masterpieces. And we couldn't imagine the slave labour that went into the construction. So much horror and beauty in our history.
After a quick hour and 20 minutes in Pisa, we were back on the bus headed down the most picturesque roads passing by the rolling green and gold Tuscan landscape to a little Agritourismo organic farm where we had a perfect lunch of local cheeses, cheese fondue meats, spelt salad, green salad, bread, local wine, coffee and cake. And great conversation. A perfect afternoon.
Full and happy, we continued on for another 15 minutes to Volterra, which I'll tell you about later... Gotta run for the bus!
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