Italy Wedding 2021 – Lucca, Italy

Lucca, Italy – Grande Universe Hotel 9/3/2021

This morning started a bit slow since we were up late last night. But we were interested in doing something fun before we head to the wedding.

Breakfast at Cafe Ninci again!!!
This is where we took the ramp up the hill to the top of the wall on our bikes.
I found an amazing view of someone’s beautiful gardens!
This is an outside street (top of the wall) market that takes place every weekend in Lucca during the summer!

I quickly figured out that riding the wall wasn’t going to be hard or crazy crowded. It was eye opening!!!! The beauty that was everywhere surrounded me! I was just sad that I couldn’t spend 3 weeks enjoying every small treasure that Lucca held! The outdoor market seemed to go on forever and had everything from baskets to gardening items to clothing. And that was just the start of the wall ride.

This was likely an official building in Lucca.
The entire ride was lovely! It was lined with these huge sycamore trees! Mostly shade with a kiss of sunshine!

There are several bastions on the Lucca wall. Most are green grassy areas set up as a park but some have playgrounds for children to use!

This was an large area for viewing the outside.
A look down at the city and a beautiful bull statue that greets tourists.
This is a look from one bastion to another.
One of the remaining towers of Lucca.
The view was breathtaking. We stopped several times.

Once we got down from the wall we enjoyed riding through town even when we got on via Fillungo (the main shopping street).

Of course – guess where we stopped for lunch? The Anfiteatro!!!!
Italian coffee.
We took the bikes past San Martino Cathedral, although we didn’t go inside – we will leave that for next visit!

Soon it was time for a nap and get ready for the wedding!

I was concerned about the directions on the GPS. But Nick got us there in time and here is a photo in the parking field.
John and Jody at the gate.
The parents of the bride!

Grazi was full of joy! She is so welcoming and made us feel very comfortable!

We really enjoyed the ceremony! The weather was perfect!!!
Manuel and his lovely Mom!
The bride and her Dad!
John, Edwardo and Diego
Such a celebration!
The happy bride!
Best accomplishment of Manuel’s career!!!!
La familia!
Jody looks amazing in green!!!!
The place was magical!
These two bonded!!!
Two crazy good dancers!
We did it wrong. But we also had zero knowledge of the game.

In the end – we were tired and tried to leave – but we got pulled in to dancing or chatting or just couldn’t leave! We had a fabulous time! The food was amazing the dessert was spectacular and the people were the best!!!! I can’t wait to visit again! And I can’t wait to watch the union of Veronica and Manuel to blossom with dreams and adventures.

olivemywhiskey's avatar

By olivemywhiskey

Teri is a retired CFO and Nick is a partner in a private equity firm. We are both very irrelevant in the business worlds. We jumped up to a 52 foot boat because we were in need of more adventure. We are on the Great Loop around the East Coast of North America. It's been a wild ride!

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