La Vita Lucchese

The air is crisp and cool, and I notice the faint smell of Spring blossoms as I walk.  Every other person that I pass along my way seems to either be enjoying a gelato, or a caffè.  I hear the laughter of children playing, and the resonant ringing of church bells.  The sun falls warmly against my face, and my heart feels light.  I am back in Tuscany, and all is right with the world.

the beautiful door into my apartment in Lucca

This past week has been just what I needed.  Well, I guess that Italy is just what I needed.  I think that doing things that feed your soul and disconnect you from your normal life are really important – things that give you a chance to recharge, and a chance to reignite everything that sparks joy in your life.  And for me, that is exactly what Italy does.

there were endless details of old meets new throughout my apartment

I somehow think clearer here.  I feel like I take deeper breaths even.  I spend far more time taking my time, than worrying about where I am going.  I don’t seem to mind if I am swarmed by tourists, or wandering a street alone.  I am just so happy.  I have found such comfort and love in this beautiful country, but especially in Tuscany.

a comfy bed is almost always my favorite work station while I’m traveling

I spent this past week (and my first glorious week in Italy) at a cute little apartment tucked away in the Tuscan town of Lucca, within the beautiful old city walls.  And in a very-not-me fashion, I did absolutely no research on what part of town to stay in.  But I just so happened upon this apartment through Airbnb, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.  The listing read, “home in city center with private garden,” and I just knew that it would be the perfect oasis for me to study and work.

And so it was.  I was greeted with a wonderfully comfortable bed, which provided me with probably my best night’s sleep after arriving in Europe. . .maybe ever.  I spent time relaxing in the garden, enjoying the sunshine and the birds.  And most notably (well, aside from the excitement of having my very own washing machine), the apartment had a spa shower.  If you know anything about travel in Italy, a relaxing hot shower is not something that you will often be greeted with, so this was a real treat.

the view of chiesa dei santi paolino e donato, just outside my bedroom windows

Although I was jumping out of my seat excited to move onwards to Florence over the weekend, I couldn’t have asked for a better week in Lucca.  I spent my week like a local, living like a local.  And if you think that it looks beautiful, it’s because it was.

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This post was sponsored by Francesca, the very kind woman who rents this apartment in Lucca through Airbnb.  Although I received a discount on my stay, no financial compensation was received.  All opinions expressed and written here are my own, and are an honest account of my experience.