Someone has created a piece of rock art in the river bed at Ponte a Serraglio.
I wonder how long it will last…not very long if this rain keeps up and the river rises again.
…I didn’t have long to wait to find out. I wrote this post last night and this morning I woke up to see the river had risen. I looked out of my window and saw that the rocks were still standing, but by the time I grabbed my camera and ran outside it had been washed away. I’m glad I took photos.
We are cat sitting at the moment. Meet Tiggy May.
She has made herself at home and has decided that the view of the village from our window is fascinating. She spends hours watching the goings on from our couch.
Something happened which really appealed to her and she needed a higher vantage point.
The funny little thing stayed like this for quite some time, obviously enthralled by something, possibly birds flying past. How I wish she could talk so I could know what was going on in her little pussy head.
Livizzano is a quiet hamlet below San Cassiano. I took advantage of a rare sunny day to walk through the tiny village.
Of course the views from the village are gorgeous.
The church in San Cassiano looks over the village.
There are some pretty houses in Livizzano.
I found a few renovators’ delights for you.
There are some lovely old paths to be followed when the ground dries out after all the rain we have had.
I love the old tiled roofs.
House and garden decorations are many and varied.
The village cats were enjoying the sun.
Spring is just around the corner. In a couple of weeks these trees will be bright green with new leaves.
It has been raining here in Bagni di Lucca for weeks. We are all sick of it. Late yesterday afternoon the rain stopped and a strange yellow light appeared over Ponte a Serraglio.
Then a rainbow appeared.
Then swallows began to swoop and dive along the river.
There is a saying here…Una rondine non fa primavera…One swallow doesn’t make spring. ( a bit like “One swallow doesn’t make a summer”). There were lots of swallows, so I’m hoping it is a sign.
A bit later there was a double rainbow. The photo is not great, but if you squint you might see it.
Rondine e un arcobaleno…I jumped in this morning and planted the pansies on the bridge. Let’s hope it doesn’t snow again.
At the Casino in Ponte a Serraglio there is an art exhibition to celebrate women. As well as a chance to see the beautifully restored interior of this historic building, you can see and exhibition of painting, sculpture and photography.
A large crowd gathered for the opening event.
For me the most interesting part of the exhibition is a display of craft, beautiful pieces of handwork done mostly by women. Some of these talents are being lost in these busy times and it is wonderful to see such a lovingly collected items of sewing, weaving, spinning, embroidery and lace work.
I can imagine busy hands creating these things for families and friends in any spare moment. Many of these skills are being lost forever. Thank you Gemma Fazzi and her team for showing us this lovely collection.
The exhibition continues until Friday 15th March and is open in the evenings from 5pm until 8pm. On Friday evening there will be a fashion parade followed by refreshments.
The road to Benabbio is one of the better mountain roads in the area. It is about 5 kilometres from La Villa to Benabbio, which sits about 480 metres above sea level. It is home to around 350 people.
I visited the town after a recent snow fall and found it looking very beautiful on a gorgeous winter day. Come for a walk around the village with me.
You can always find a cat in a warm sunny place.
Snow adds a gorgoeus touch to any view.
While I was in Benabbio I had lunch at the excellent Il Cavallino Bianco. I have eaten here a few times, click here to see the post I wrote about my lunch on a previous visit.
I still have to try the other restaurant in Benabbio…Acquolina in Bocca…next time.
Lucky Granaiola sits in warm sunshine most of the time. It is 416 metres above sea level on top of a ridge. The 125 inhabitants get magnificent views of the valley below and the mountains around them.
This is my view of Granaiola from Ponte a Serraglio.
This is their view of Ponte a Serraglio.
The pretty village houses cling to the side of the hill. Come for a walk along the narrow streets.
Granaiola has a birds’ eye view of Colle.
…and across to Lugliano.
…and to Monti di Villa.
These photos were taken last year…time for another visit to Granaiola.
LOCAL INFORMATION
There is to be an exhibition at the Casino at Ponte a Serraglio… An Homage to Women….with 24 artists, including painters, sculptors and photographers.
The opening ceremony will be at 6.00pm Friday 8th March, followed by a harp recital by Anna-Livia and a buffet (€5 donation)
The exhibition will run from 8th – 15th March.
Saturday and Sunday….4.00 – 8.00pm
Monday – Friday….5.00 – 8.00pm
Bella Bagni di Lucca 