A refreshing, low-key rest day in Lucca. The desire for such a day is strong. Managing each day, finding the trail, staying on the trail, wondering if I’ll be able to take a break on a bench or stone wall, searching for an open bar or cafe for lunch, managing an entrance into town, locating the night’s lodging, accessing the night’s lodging. On and on and on. “Be not anxious” can cover a multitude of situations!

So, yesterday I slowly wandered around Lucca. Since this visit to this wonderful town is my third, I remembered seeing places from my previous visits. In my usual manner, cramming short explorations into a dozen churches my first time. Staying at a nice hotel with Mary, leisurely walking the old city walls my second time. Amazingly, Lucca remained an independent Italian city-state from 1160-1805, thanks Napoleon! So, yesterday, I felt no super-strong urge except to spend time in the beautiful Duomo. Upon leaving the Duomo, I even had a chance to chat with two women from Prague. Their first day walking the Via Francigena; my first conversation with pilgrims from Prague.

The rest of the day I wandered the streets getting lost. That can be fun when I know the old town is only a mile in diameter and surrounded by 20-foot walls! Much of the time I simply snapped photos of individuals. Fun! I know, at some future time, I might write about the classic “Stages of Life” and about walking the Via Francigena as an older guy. We’ll see. If I do write on those topics, I might re-use some of the photos.

Oh, I did celebrate in Lucca. I see people eating gelato everywhere I turn.

Since arriving in Italy, I have not had gelato. Last night I had several scoops to celebrate making it over the Apennines. The woman who took my photo was from New York. Pleasant time talking with them. When I told the fellow that this is my first gelato in a month. He looked incredulous. “We’ve been here three weeks. I have one day!” We both laughed. After telling him I was walking the Via Francigena, upon leaving he said “God’s blessing go with you.” Besides the blessing from Sister Margarita and Friar Paolo at Community of Betania religious order, these were the second words of blessing. Small, but treasured gestures of more than, while appreciated, words of well-wishing.

Enjoy the photos.