I think of all the Tuscan villages we visited, lovely Lucca was my favorite.  What struck me most was that it just seemed more livable and not as touristy as the others. The kind of place that would come to mind when picturing a perfect sunny Italian afternoon of sipping an Aperol Spritz (the most widespread and commonly drunk aperitif of Italians and the color of a Tuscan sunset) while nibbling on anything made with cheese and olive oil. Lucca is renowned for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its broad, cobblestone streets.  We spent the better part of a day simply strolling those century old cobbles but found our favorite was our lunch at the giant tree-lined Piazza Napoleone. One of the largest in Lucca, the Piazza is bubbling with activity and a great spot to people watch – the locals happily riding their bicycles in no particular hurry, children coming in for theater performances, or tourists lazily enjoying their time and each other at tables covered with brightly colored umbrellas. There are a number of places to grab a small bite, a major meal, coffee or a cool Aperol. In addition, there was a beautifully painted merry-go-round featuring Pinocchio set-up in the south end of the piazza. We also really enjoyed the Piazza Anfiteatro-an amazing circular piazza built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. No ruins can be found here today though, as you enter through one of the many archways all you will find are charming shops, cafe’s, restaurants and maybe a strolling musician or street performer. Be sure also to stop and take a look and few photos of the beautiful Chiesa (church) di San Michele in the Piazza San Michele as well as the Guingi Tower which is jammed in amongst the other old and decaying buildings and towers. Most striking and extraordinary about this one are the trees growing out of the small garden right at the top. Had we not just eaten our weight in Gnocchi and freshly baked bread, we may have attempted the 240 steps to the top. I’m sure the view was absolutely amazing but I can only speculate.