Observations

Because I don't want to forget:

1. Saw many a face piercing, primarily on women, in Venice … none in Lucca

2. The pigeons are no longer taking over Piazza San Marco. They no longer sell pigeon food as they have “outlawed” feeding pigeons in the piazza. We found this out after a police man asked/instructed Vinny to stop trying to feed the 20 or so pigeons that were there.

3. In Lucca bikes outnumber cars 30:1. And the women easily ride their bikes in their short dresses/skirts and high heels.

4. Women of all ages are sporting tattoos.

5. Some 70% of the women in Lucca have extremely dark tans and are carrying really bad Louis Vuitton knock offs. Age doesn’t matter …

6. The ballerina shoe in extremely bright colors are everywhere as are the greecian sandles.

7. The one outfit I’ve seen on at least 50 different women? White billowy sundress (linen) with camel colored boots, mid-calf. It’s 90-degrees and humid and boots are everywhere!!!

8. In Venice all men (not counting tourists) – carry man-bags. In Lucca, perhaps 25% are carrying them.

9. Italian children can commonly be found dining outside with their parents well beyond 10:00pm. Yes, most are having meltdowns, but no one seems to care.

10. Every single time – which is just about daily – that Fia has fallen asleep in her stroller I have been stopped by a little old Italian woman who has expressed concern over Fia’s hunched over sleeping position.

11. For as fabulous as their pasta, meats, breads and pizzas are – and the abundance of fresh vegetables – the Italians have not yet mastered the art of a good green salad. In fact, they suck.