A good news story

Posted on March 20, 2020 by Debra Kolkka

The people who run and work at the Auser Bagni di Lucca in Ponte a Serraglio are no longer at work in the shops, so they have redirected their energies into making masks. Many are made from wonderful linen sheets donated by generous people.

They are not meant to offer total protection from Covid 19, but anything that helps even a little is welcome. They can be washed and reused.

They are being distributed to those who want them with the delivery of food.

We need good news stories. Now is not the time to spread conspiracy theories and silly supposed protections and remedies. Take advice from doctors, professionals and official directives. Unfortunately the internet is full of rubbish.

I am at our remote house in Garfagnana for the duration of the lockdown. I really miss my morning coffee and sfoglia at Bar Italia. Let’s hope life can go back to normal soon.

A difficult time

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Debra Kolkka

I put the pansies on the bridge in Ponte a Serraglio. earlier this week. I felt a bit like a criminal being outside when we are supposed to stay inside our homes. I thought it might cheer up our lovely village just a bit.

I am hoping that by the time they grow ( like these from a couple of years ago) in a few weeks this awful virus will have subsided somewhat and people can slowly return to normal life.

An Italian friend who has lived in Ponte a Serraglio for most of her life has told me she is proud of the way the people of Bagni di Lucca have responded to the lock down.

People are staying in their homes as much as possible. At least one local supermarket is making deliveries to all of the villages of Bagni di Lucca. A restaurant is cooking and delivering food to those who need it. The pharmacy at Ponte a Serraglio has an excellent system of serving customers while making sure there is safe contact.

If everyone plays their part to be safe and there is an improvement with the spread of the virus maybe the lock down will not need to be extended…let’s hope the effort is worthwhile.

Carneval Fornoli 2020

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Debra Kolkka

The fun for the student participants, their teachers and parents began around 2.00pm on Sunday across the Ponte Catene.

Everyone gathered in the square with great excitement. The theme of this year’s carneval was the Olympics. It was interesting to see the different interpretations.

Soon the officicials opened proceedings.

And the band began to play.

The procession made its way across the bridge.

It worked its way down the main street.

They gathered in the piazza waiting for the performances to begin.

The infants’ school from Fornoli presented their show, the race between the hares and the tortoises.

The next group performed.

It was the infants’ school from San Cassiano.

The students from Borgo a Mozzano came next. We wondered what the blue fabric was for. We soon found out it was the stream for the canoe team.

Then came the swimmers.

…and the equestrian team.

The fencing team fought with flowers…an excellent idea.

The cycle team really enjoyed themselves.

Corsagna school followed with an Ancient Greek view of the Olympics.

The Fornoli entry was colourful.

The last group sang for us.

The judges retired to consider their choices for the prizes. They soon returned and the first announcement was for the third place which went to Fornoli school.

In second place was Corsagna.

The winners were the students from Borgo a Mozzano.

Top marks to everyone for the wonderful event. Students, teachers, parent and friends clearly spent many hours to present such a delightful spectacle and it was great fun for participants and spectators.

Thank you Marco Nicoli and the team for organising the event again.

Carneval Fornoli

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Debra Kolkka

Don’t forget the Carneval in Fornoli this weekend. It begins at 2.00pm on Sunday.

Have you been to Zato?

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Debra Kolkka

Zato is a tiny collection of houses above Lucchio. A Google search reveals that it is 698 metres above sea level, there are 21 buildings and that 9 people live there.

We followed the sign from the turnoff for Lucchio.