One of the things I love best about travelling is discovering the unexpected – the kind, that is, that brings joy. And today that happened twice!

Our day began with another guided walk, this time around the north end of Lucca. We stopped at what I thought was the most unprepossessing looking church, only to discover that there were beautiful pieces of art within. You can’t judge a book etc etc.

The San Frediano Church has not been recently restored. The exterior looks shabby in spite of all the gold leaf on the mosaic, but on the inside certain art works have been restored and they are quite glorious.

Following the walking tour and a group lunch, Gillian and group member Deb and I visited the Lucca Biennale Cartasia celebrating design and the art of paper. Paper products – toilet tissue, facial tissue, various grades of writing paper – is the main industry in Lucca.

But first we decided to climb the Guinigi Tower which shares an entrance with the Biennale. Reaching the top requires marching up 25 flights of stairs – 233 steps. The steps started out wide and shallow – piece of cake, right? – but gradually narrowed and deepened. The odd aspect photo below is looking up at the top from most of the way there. The 360° view was beathtaking on this gorgeous fall day.  

A wonderful surprise awaited us in the Biennale exhibition. We had seen some of the exhibits as a few of the paper sculptures were situated here and there around the town. Here are a couple.

Inside the gallery paper art work was displayed on three floors. The sculptures ranged from human figures to decorative hangings to lamps, all constructed of paper!

The fashion display was fascinating, and almost my favourite. The elaborate headdresses reminded me of the TV series Bridgerton (although not, perhaps the one with the airplane)!

I found the entire exhibit mind-blowing. Such creativity and technical skill. Amazing!

But far and away my favourite exhibition was the children’s room, complete with sound track.

Following a chat about typical family coooking, we dined as a group at the Canuleia Trattoria. We have a wonderfully good natured and interesting group, and these dinners with lots of wine flowing are great fun.

Per ora è tutto. Ci vediamo domani.