Caesar, Puccini and the Ewings head for Lucca

Caesar, Pompey and Crassus made their First Triumvirate here. Napoleon gave the city to his sister Elisa in 1805. Composers Boccherini and Giacomo Puccini (Tosca, Madam Butterfly, La Boheme) lived here...and then the Ewings hit town!! Strolling down the cobbled streets, coffee at the piazza (espresso not to Mike's liking), to the piazza amphitheatre where Julius did his 'thing'. We are in awe of the 400 year-old paintings in the Cathedral and the 36 individually carved, unique pillars on the facade. After a delicious pasta lunch we took the train (90 min) back to Prato in time for Robbie's first soccer practice (we were constantly reminded during our outing that we could NOT be late for soccer!!) "Rraaawbee" made new friends (Marco, Georgio, Fabio and Davide) instantly, despite the fact that (surprisingly!), "they can't speak a word of English!" (Robbie). The day ended with a half hour walk home for a warm bath and a light supper of proscuitto, salami, grapes and pane. Both boys fast asleep by 8pm (without having to be nagged). Wonder what tomorrow holds in store?