So we all trundled into Lucca, armed with umbrellas and raincoats (its was raining cats and dogs). Our expectations were low but as we neared Lucca, the children entertained themselves by counting the number of flags outside peoples houses....we were up to 76 as neared the walls. We saw pasticceria (bakery shops) displaying huge cakes decorated with the tricolore colours (ugh - all those food dyes, all those E numbers...did you know that red dye (E 120) is usually derived from the cochineal insect...anyone know what it looks like ? Better not....)
So back to the celebrations in Lucca...we passed children clutching balloons and waving flags and no.2 bambino said "can we get some some too?" well after countless stops in edicolas (newsagents) advertising flags,we discovered there was not a flag to be bought in the whole of Lucca (such a patriotic bunch) except one that had a 2 x 1 metre one for € 45....no way I said to bambino no.2....we then went to Piazza san Michele ( such a beautiful church) and there were hundreds of people and balloons !! I went up to a stern young signorina guarding a column of ballooons and asked if I could buy one...."non e in vendita ! " was her cruel reply....and I would have paid up to € 5 for one at this stage....but no,she would not budge....despite her company badge pronouncing she worked for Balloon Express....not a great ambassador I fear.
No.1 bambino started up his " I want McDonalds" whine so we abandoned our futile search for flags and balloons....and went off in search of something to eat that was not in the shape of a tricolore flag.
On the way we passed assorted calm grandparents and harassesd parents all murmuring the same thing, "of course we can buy you a flag/balloon darling " I wanted to let them know,really I did....but I couldn't bring myself to be the bearer of bad news....they always shoot the messenger !
More of the same tomorrow !
