I am fickle about Florence.
For 20 years (more really) I have come to a city I love–Florence. Positioned right in the heart of Italy, easily navigated with lots of museums, shops, markets, gardens, and a plethora of churches–all are well-appointed by artisans of their time. I love Florence and know it well. This year I cheated and spent my time in Lucca. Perhaps because it was new and fresh, I say perhaps, this might be the reason I fell in lust with Lucca. Lucca is a much quieter city with a beautifully preserved wall that feels as though you are being hugged and snuggled. Atop the wall is a park-like flat space to bike ride, walk or sit and contemplate–all things one does in a park. Beneath, in the center, is a well-designed community of piazzas and of course the obligatory labyrinth of streets and alleys — shops and cafes. At the heart and soul of Lucca is Puccini — you can feel and hear him everywhere.
Is Lucca just a passing love affair; can I ever return faithfully to Florence, or is there room in my heart for both? Ahhh…Italy, who can ever get enough?
If you are a fan of Florence or Lucca, I would also encourage you to think about traveling to Cinque Terre.