At Stop at a Leather Factory

Outside of Lucca we stopped at a leather factory. The manager took us back to the production area, and we saw how the different leathers were cut and sewn into handbags, jackets and other leather goods. We had a fun time looking at the products, and some of our group bought items.

$1.17=1.00e

Pat models a jacket.  She purchased a navy blue version of it.

Mel models a jacket

But he decided on a beautiful leather belt

Under the Tuscan Sun in Lucca

Thursday we drove south into Tuscany.  The area is noted for olive oil, leather goods, and red wine (especially chianti).  The pretty countryside has rolling terraces where grape vines and olive trees grow.  Corn is also grown here.

Vineyards and olive trees

 Corn

The days have been warm and sunny with brilliant
blue skies.





Our introduction to Tuscany was a lovely stop at Lucca. The city walls date back to Roman times, and the old city is a treasure for history buffs.  The town is known for its paper sculptures and production of tissue paper (like Kleenex) and toilet paper. Lucca specializes in leather shoes.

Mel enjoying fresh, warm focaccia 

As is the usual routine on trips like this, we had an excellent guided tour by a local guide who points out different highlights and some local products.  Then there is free time to explore more of the area or go back to those places where we wanted to spend more time.

Our fun local guide in Lucca

Remnants of the Roman era

A paper sculpture

The Italian Riviera

Tuesday we traveled from Lake Orta to the Italian Rivera which is Italy's famed crescent of Mediterranean coast. The Alps and the Apennines meet at the sea here where the water is a brilliant turquoise. There are rugged cliffs and a string of colorful fishing villages along the coastline known as Cinque Terra. The 5 centuries-old villages have colorful homes and vineyards cling to steep terraces.  The area is a popular tourist destination for global travelers.

Mel's photo of a Carrara marble quarry 

The Mediterranean on the Italian Rivera

Mel enjoying the view

These are some of Mel's photos from beautiful Cinque Terra

Some Fun Photos of Our Group

Sharon and Bob

Barbara, Nancy and Pat

Karen

Randall looking for the perfect shot

Terri at our boat launch in Orta

Pat and I at a wine tasting (note my curly hair from the humidity)

My Favorite Day So Far

On our last day in the Lakes District we drove to an ancient village nestled at the foothills of the Italian and Swiss Alps. The tiny village of Oira consists of about 125 year- round residents living in 16th century houses. The local wine maker, who is the 4th generation winemaker in his family's ancestral home, was our guide through the village. He explained how the tradional cheeses were made from local dairy cows. He also took us into a local church and then into his home for a tasting of the local salami, bread, cheese and wines.  The setting was beyond beautiful, and it will be a lovely memory of our trip.

In the center is chestnut honey,  very different from the usual

Mel's enjoying local grappa