Wings drying in the sun

Posted on March 23, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

If you look closely at this photo you will see 2 birds standing on the wall in the river at Ponte a Serraglio.

One is a cormorant (I think. I am happy to be corrected) The black bird was drying his wings in the sun. He wasn’t there long before he flew off, no doubt looking for lunch.

It always surprises me to see seagulls on our river, but I suppose it is not all that far as the crow (or seagull) flies from the sea.

Green buds are beginning to appear on the trees. Spring is underway.

The sun is shining, but there is a fierce wind blowing.

Lucca cathedral renewed

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

The impressive San Martino cathedral in Lucca has had its facade cleaned recently. On my last visit it was covered in scaffolding. I was happy to see it uncovered and looking wonderful.

The church was begun around 1070 and has had many additions over the centuries. The facade was started in 1204. There are 3 magnificent arches with open galleries above adorned with sculptures.

There is a legend to explain why the columns on the facade are different. When the residents of Lucca wanted to decorate the facade they began a competition and invited artists to create a column. Many artists created columns and the residents decided not to select a winner but used all the columns and didn’t pay the artists.

The labrynth embedded in the right pier of the portico is believed to date from the 12th or 13th century.

The original of the sculpture of San Martino, who was a knight on horseback, dates from 1233 and is inside the cathedral. The one on the facade is a copy.

I’ll take you inside in another post.

Faces at Carnevale Viareggio 2019

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

Carnevale Viareggio is an incredible spectacle. The amount of organisation any work to pull this event together is huge. The floats are stunning, the costumes are fabulous, the music thrilling, but what I like most is the fun and enthusiasm of the participants and audience.

Here are some of my favourite faces from this year’s event.

See much more on Carnevale Viareggio on Bagni di Lucca and Beyond.

https://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2019/03/08/carnevale-viareggio-2019/

Exhibition open

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

The artists’ exhibition is open at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.

Here is a list of artists showing their work.

…a selection at the entrance and the main room of the casino.

Find 9 faces in this painting.

In the second room is a selection of photographs.

I was happy to see my friend Tina.

…and Annalisa from Bar Italia. Where would Ponte be without her and her team?

The small room.

I hope you will all visit over the next week.

Amazing Lucca

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

It is always great to hear about young Italians starting a business. It can be very difficult to get a new enterprise up and running in Italy.

I was delighted to meet Federica, who, along with her husband, has set up an adventure tour business in Lucca called Amazing Lucca.

As I walked with Federica she told me of their love and passion for the area and their desire to introduce people to a side of Italy they might not otherwise enjoy. With a minimum of 2 people and no more than 12, they will guide you through Renaissance villas, medieval churches, stunning countryside, vineyards and glorious mountains.

On foot, or on a mountain bike you can discover secret places off the beaten track with people who know the area. Meet locals and taste the produce of this incredible land. Trudge or ride up rugged mountains and find hidden streams, enjoy enchanted forests and breathtaking landscapes. Federica and Alessandro will guide to to spectacular places.

Alessandro is the mountain bike guide and Federica is the nature and walking guide. Even if you live in the area this would be fun, but what a great way to introduce your visiting friends to the area.

The tours are graded from easy to demanding, meaning there is something to suit everyone.

Take a look at their excellent website. It is in Italian and English.

http://www.amazing-Lucca.com

Via Del Campaccio, Lucca.

info@amazing-lucca.com

Federica…(39) 338 7901829

Alessandro…(39) 340 2798654

Women’s Day

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

The annual Omaggio alla Donna events will be held at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio from 8 – 14 March..

There will be a series of events beginning on 8th March, with amusic recital after the inauguration at 9.00pm.

An exhibition of painting and sculpture will open on Saturday 9th March. The opening will be 10.00 – 12.30. After that it will be open in the afternoons from 4.30pm – 7.00pm. Continue reading →

Local events

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

Carnevale in Fornoli will be held on Sunday 3rd March, beginning at 2.00 at the Ponte Catene on the Chifenti side. There will be a parade, a market and games.

The first of the second hand markets for the year will be held on 31st March in La Villa. If you would like to have a stall at the market call the number on the poster at least 5 days before the event.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany