Today, we are in Lucca. It is fantastic. We walked the ramparts this morning, a path along the top of the city walls. Lots of locals were out walking, visiting and taking their pets on walks.
Getting here proved more difficult than anticipated. First, I want to mention that First Class on an airplane is everything I had hoped it was. We basically crossed the ocean in a recliner with champagne service. It was a little downhill from there, however. We spent time in the Paris airport (no time to see the city, but too much time to sit). Then we flew into Pisa. We managed to find our luggage and our bus to Lucca. So far, so good. Then, we read a sign that we had entered Lucca, so I decided it was time to exit the bus. Betsy knows better than to follow my lead regarding directions, usually, but she was tired, hungry, and, apparently lost her judgment. We got off the bus miles and miles from where we needed to be. Fortunately, Betsy did not lose her personality. She came across two young men and asked for help, using all of her southern charm. One, Lorenzo, drove us to our hotel doorstep. We would still be walking around lost without his help.
Our rooms were nice and Davide, the host, was helpful and very kind. We ate pizza and tomato-bread soup, which was divine. We had wine, of course. Today, we are exploring Lucca and then off to Pisa.
-ciao, Kim
Kim & Betsy 
Hmmm … Lost in Lucca, having to measure Betsy’s temperament along the way (!) … I’m still positively green with envy. And probably better you didn’t leave the Paris airport and get stuck in the Olympic torch riots. All I can afford to do this year is live vicariously so please keep up the writing.Luv,Nancy
So glad you made it. Drink a bottle for me!!TommyT
Sometimes the best things happen when you get lost…. I’m glad you finally made it!!! Drink some wine for me. Now I’ll get back to work while you gallavant around Italy. sigh :)Cheers,Rebecca
The same thing happened to me when I went to Paris… our flight was rescheduled and no one told us, so we were bumped up to first class. Sadly, I was only 19 and they wouldn’t let me drink champagne (despite pointig out we were over international waters and I’d be able to drink as soon as we landed).Hmm, for some reason I’m not surprised to hear you got lost the first day in Italy… good luck with the rest of your trip! :)Have a blast, and I hope you get bumped to first class on the way back, too.Jessy
Flying first class international is something to experience…it is like riding across the ocean in a recliner with champagne service…and considerably better food. Glad you all recovered from the accidental stop. Not surprised Aunt Betsy picked up two young Italian men. The young ones always love her. Excited you two are blogging and plan on keeping updated as your trip unfolds. Off to Chicago this weekend to see the Pritzkers, should be loads of fun.thinking of you both,Chelsea