4. Jan 9, 2012-Lucca

Day Three to Lucca

Decide to get out of my comfort zone and take a train,

                     Try to get my biglieto speaking Italian… in vain,                                                                        

Tren it was pronto, and only 2.50 euros cost,

Had to go to the toilet and it wasn’t a bowl,

Two feet you stand and pee in a hole

Oh mio dio!

Arrived in 20 minuto, go my barrings so I wouldn’t get lost.

Old Lucca is surrounded by a fortress wall,

Built in the 11^th century, it is probably 100 ft tall.

You pass thru a tunnel to get to the city,

I emerged onto a street market…oh what a pity!

Sales galore, I have never seen such prices,

So I had to buy a few things, that were oh so nice-a!

Got 2 sweaters for 1 euro each, a grey sweater dress,

For 10 euros at best!

Went out another tunnel, didn’t know it was wrong,

Walked and walked for two hours to get to where I belonged.

Emerged unto Old Lucca, incredible to see,

I walked into the Anfiteatro Romana built in 180 BC.

It was a gladiator arena, with all the arches of entry,

But now it ‘s shops and restaurants during this century.

Saw the Piazza Napoleone, named after Napolean’s sister Elisa,

Who ruled the city from 1805-1815 when she moved from Pisa.

Children, merry-go-round and ice skating rink now fill the Piazza,

Oblivious of the past history that once was-a!

James Taylor will play outside on March 18^th,

As well as The Tower of Power on the 16^th!

Walked into the plaza of San Martino,

The 11^th century church on the Duomo.

The carvings of Pisano and Guidettto da Como still stand,

You can see every detail, down to their hand.

Had my usual free lunch from the breakfast buffet line,

Ham, salami & cheese on pannini, it’s free every time!

Went to the station and missed my train,

An old Italian gent tried to explain,

He could give me a ride, he said, he has a car

Oh yeah, like I wanna die! Besides it’s too far!

Caught the next train that came into the station,

Back into town so fast, it was worth the waiting!

Walked thru the streets and my boots feel apart,

Oh mio dio, I need a new start!

Went into a store that said Saldi inside,

Bought some new black boots, for a very good price.

Back at Victoria Hotel, the concierge said we need to change rooms

Your lights are out and they will give me another, I presume!

What they don’t know is that very morning I tried,

To use my adapter and the socket I think fried!

Much to my advantage, I have a better room, a kingsize instead

Of my itty bitty room and the twin sized bed!