Day 13- Vespa Museum

Today was rainy again, so we went on a train ride to Pontedera, a town east of Pisa to visit the Piaggio Museum.

Piaggio is the company that makes Vespas, as well as motorcycles, the Ape three wheeled truck and other vehicles. 

Jasper wanted to take a picture in front of the racing motorcycles to show Uncle Matt.

There was only one Vespa that you were allowed to touch and sit on, so naturally, the kids spent a lot of time on there.

Penny was a favourite sidecar companion.

There was an art exhibition about Vespas, that included a Lego model of a Vespa, combining two of Jasper's favourite interests.

They did have the Vespa kit in the gift shop, but it was rated 18+ with over 1000 pieces, cost $100 Euro and was in a box far too big to carry around for the next two weeks. Santa will not be brining a Lego Vespa.

There was a toddle play area, where Penny got to ride a baby Vespa and practice her walking by pushing the Vespa around. Penny is getting much better at standing on her own and has taken a step or two. She might learn to walk in her brace right before she doesn't have to wear it anymore.

Oscar also enjoyed riding the motorcycle around the toddler play area.

Pat's favourite Vespa was this one decorated by an artist to be a cow.

Jasper's favourite was this comically large red Vespa. The rest of the day was a bit of a flop. Both the restaurant that I'd chosen for lunch and the museum that was planned for the afternoon were closed. One down side to traveling here in the off season is that many places are closed, especially in smaller less touristy areas. It can be hard to plan ahead, since most closures don't seem to be listed online (often just marked by a sign on the door saying "chusio per ferie"- closed for vacation). We did end up finding a bar serving sandwiches (we ate almost every one they had), and made a rainy walk back to the train station to return to Lucca. Tonight we pack up to leave for Venice in the morning!