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.
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.
Via Del Campaccio, Lucca.
info@amazing-lucca.com
Federica…(39) 338 7901829
Alessandro…(39) 340 2798654
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
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.
The Lima River is running high after heavy rain in the mountains.
Let’s hope the surging water doesn’t cause damage.
Thank you Chris for the photos.
A friend has just sent a photo and short video of the view from my apartment.
I wish I was there. I love it when it snows in Ponte a Serraglio!
Es Vedra opened recently in Fornoli. It is on the road out of town, just before the bend as you head towards Barga and set back from the road a little to allow parking in front.
As well as pizza there is an excellent taglieri.
It came with pasta fritta and flat bread.
We all ordered the spicy pizza with salami, pepperoncini and nduja. It was delicious!
The restaurant is bright and new and the young staff cheerful and helpful.
It is a great addition to Fornoli.
Es Vedra
Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII
339 4919880
Looking back on 2018
January.
Bar Italia has a party to celebrate its renovation. Congratulations to Annalise and her crew for a job well done.
February.
Winter at Montefegatesi.
March
The chestnut forest on the way to Orrido di Botri in winter.
April.
Spring appears quickly.
The wonderful new fruit and vegetable shop opened in Ponte a Serraglio.
May.
Frassino trees put on a spectacular show for a few weeks.
June. Geraniums thrived at Ponte a Serraglio.
July.
The stunning pool reopened in La Villa after extensive renovations.
August.
People gather at Villa Web to celebrate the poet Shelley.
September.
Chestnuts begin to ripen.
October.
The leaves begin to change colour.
November.
Golden autumn.
December.
Christmas at Ponte a Serraglio.
I look forward to a brand new year in bella Bagni di Lucca.
The last street market for the year will be held this Sunday in La Villa.
…a great day to find treasures.
Susanna from Bar Italia, with help from her friend Dome has created a beautiful Presepe in the old news kiosk beside the river.
It looks wonderful. I wish I was there to see it.
Thank you Dome for the photo and to Elizabeth for sharing it with us.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 