Day trip to Lucca and then up north

It was a normal start to the day for the Fraser/Browne & McCormack/Burney crew, but an early start for the Simpson/Pyett team.  We planned for breakfast at 8am and on the road by 9.  While this is not an issue for the majority of us, Lisa takes the fact that she is on holiday to a different meaning. Nevertheless the Simpson/Pyetts were ready and waiting not too far off the mark. We had to start with a photo session of us with our Fiats, which of course included the six adults (Reb doesn't consider herself an adult when she is with us, even though she is nearly 26!) squashing into one car. Very juvenile, but nevertheless funny at the time.

We visited Lucca which is about an hour away and hired bikes for an hour to go around the town wall  It was all very leisurely but still only managed to take us half an hour. We then knew where to access the market so wandered along. It was stinking hot but we managed to part with some euros by buying essentials like socks and other bits and pieces required when you don't have daily access to a washing machine. Lunch was some very nice pasta dishes and obligatory water, or was that wine?

Back at the resort our plans for lounging by the pool were thwarted by a private function being held poolside. Therefore, it was lounging on the terrace drinking mojitos and piña coladas with Lisa, Trish and Michael. The late afternoon nicely rolled into the evening and we managed to see the penalty shoot out between Brazil and Chile in the World Cup.

Sunday
Today we said good bye to the Renaissance Tuscany Resort and headed north. The last four nights have flown past in a blur. Michael, Reb and I headed to Pisa on our way to the Cinque Terre village of Monterosso. Reb was keen to see Pisa which was understandable seeing this is her first visit to Italy. We took the obligatory photos, had a drink, and continued north. By the time we arrived at Monterosso the others had already arrived and ready to go exploring. This village is the one of five villages that were originally fishing villages but now provides a walking track (or via train)  for tourists to get from one village to another.  The villages are all very picturesque and should provide some fantastic photos (well that's what I am hoping anyhow).This afternoon was about exploring Monterosso, and minimising the time spent getting wet. It is hoped that this cooler spell will pass today leaving the next two days perfect for further exploring.