Lucca, Italy

Lucca is the home of Puccini, and also the home of my high school art teacher, Fosco Picchi. A few days before Christmas of 1999 I visited with Fosco and his wife Marjorie in their wonderful home in the hills on the outskirts of Lucca. First we had a tour of the magnificent town, the church, the walled city, the coliseum which has been turned into shops and apartments. Then we were whisked up tiny twisting streets to their home for a wonderful afternoon of conversation and memories by the fireplace in this old stucco home. The olive groves across the way were being pruned in the fading light of the winter sun, and as it grew dark it was time to catch the late train out of town. A hurried departure and a nearly missed train were well worth the delayed goodbyes. Fosco passed away last year, and I am so glad that I was able to spend that day with him and Marjorie, glad that I was able to see the beautiful home, and thank him for his influence on me and my life. 

Church of San Michele in Foro

The Coliseum, converted to apartments and shops

Fosco and Marjorie's home, view from one of their windows

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