There are some unhurried, truly elegant spots left in the world, and there can be no argument that Lucca is not one of them. The compact historic area, contained within its thick, protective walls is more than 600 years old, and even to the world savvy eye, has lost little of its quiet charm and authenticity. The walls themselves, once defensive but now the place of lovely strolls and bike-riding atop, provide immense joy to residents and tourists alike. But there are, in fact, few tourists here. People with limited time on their hands go to the more popular, tour-book stops, and leave Lucca to revel in its relatively unheralded recognition.
 The Luccese are some of the most unassumingly, aesthetically rich people in the world: quiet, intelligent, self-satifsfied, as I suppose only a history such as theirs, insular, yet steeped in beauty, can bring.

 Did I mention that I love Lucca?