LUCCA and BARGA Day 4: ROAD TRIPS and HISTORIES

This morning, we all perspired during our 3-hr hike near the Gothic Line, which divided the Germans, who occupied the northern part of Italy and the Allies, who helped with the south, during WWII. A previous WWII Italian soldier probably in his 80s, actively walked with us and shared his personal war stories... I also noticed crosses were located at every high peak. Why? The latter was done to show that God is above all things... Also, I finally learned how "fig" tasted like.. It looks like a strawberry once opened, had the consistency of a kiwi, and yet the taste was sweeter and fresh. It was said that figs are given to Italians as a cure for constipation...

For lunch, we ate home-made pasta, salami sandwich, and sweet watermelon at a Franciscan convent with a spectacular view. There, everyone, including the professors, were given a shot of cappuccino with samburca (a drop of Italian liquor)...  It was odd to see a small bar housed in a mini shop, near the convent's garden and where Franciscan monks used to wash their clothes. The convent was like a nursing home for the aged, and it was very clean.

[If I can do it, so can you!]

[my first fig]

[Anticipating what the Mossano view would look like]

[Italian Cross (photo by Je)]

[View of Mossano (by Je)]

[I have no idea why they put a bee in St. Anthony's sleeve, at the Franciscan convent)]

[eating a sweet, refreshing watermelon on a warm day]

[by the vines at the convent]

[St. Mark's Basilica]

[Barga entrance]

After 2 hours, we rode the bus to Barga, another historic place near Lucca, hiked some more to visit wonderful churches with Renaissance artworks and terra cotta images. Just when we got excited to witness Italian newly weds at the town hall, it was already time to head home. We ate out for dinner, where I got ravioli, sourdough bread with self-sprayed balsamic vinegar and olive oil, 1/3 glass of white wine, and a sip of yet another lemoncello at a fancy restaurant, while exchanging stories with some old and new-found friends. To end the night, I ate gelato (hazelnut and choco combo ice cream in a cup first, then melon on a cone for my second dose), while heading back to the Ostello. Tomorrow, a group and I will be going to church, where I will finally be able to participate in an Italian mass!