Autumn is a beautiful season in Bagni di Lucca. It can be a bit wet, but I love the rainy, misty days.
…as long as there aren’t too many of them.
Autumn mists
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Author Archives: Debra Kolkka
Yoga Retreat Day
Joann Connington, renowned yoga teacher, in conjunction with Tuscany Arts and Healing, is conducting a Yoga Retreat Day on Saturday 24th October, at I Romiti, in Fabriche di Vallico.
The autumn fires will be lit and a delicious autumn themed lunch will be served.
The Yoga Retreat Day will be conducted in English and offer a gentle flow of postures with consistent attention to the breath.
The emphasis in the morning will be on more dynamic postures that provide a strong foundation for the day. In the afternoon the focus will be on restful and restorative poses that will relax the body and still the mind. The day will finish with a short meditation.
The cost for the day is €75, inclusive of yoga instruction, props, lunch, and all refreshments.
For more information please look at http://www.tuscanyartsandhealing.com
or email tuscanyartsandhealing@gmail.com
Chestnut festival postponed
Because of the heavy rain in the area the Ponte a Serraglio Chestnut Festival due to be held this Sunday,18th October, will be postponed until the following Sunday, 25th October.
Sarah sews
Sarah moved to Bagni di Lucca a few years ago after finding a gorgeous house in Pieve di Monti di Villa. She has made a new life for herself in the village.
In her previous life she was a teacher, but always had a love of sewing. She learned from her mother and it was an enjoyable hobby. Now she has taken the big step of setting up her own business, making and selling children’s clothing.
Her label is Lulu and Bertie and she makes colourful clothes in whimsical prints for boys and girls. She is also working on some beautiful patchwork quilts for cots.
I went to her workroom on one level of her house to see her in action and to show you some of her work.
The clothes are available on line…check out her website. http://www.luluandbertie.com
Sarah will also have a space at the Chestnut Festival in the park beside Villa Fiori this Sunday (weather permitting). Say hello to her and take a look at her fun childrens’ clothes.
information@luluandbertie.com
Chestnut festival at Ponte a Serraglio
Don’t forget the annual Chestnut Festival to be held in the Villa Fiori park on 18th October…let’s hope it is a fine sunny day and lots of people come.
18th July 1944
There is a beautiful, if somewhat neglected, building in Ponte a Serraglio. It was at one time the Hotel de Russie. The building was designed by Giuseppe Pardini and built in 1838. It is now apartments.
On the side of the building is a plaque stating that 13 partisans were held in the building during WWII when the building became Nazi headquarters.
The men were shot on 18th July 1944. There is a memorial in the cemetery in Ponte a Serraglio.
Behind the memorial is a narrow path. At the back of the memorial is another one.
I found these names on small plaques on the wall.
What a sad and lonely place it is, reflecting the misery and futility of war.
Lunch at Cappuccetto Rosso
Cappuccetto Rosso is quickly becoming one of my favourite restaurants in the area. The food is well presented and delicious and the service is very friendly and efficient.
Their recent lunch special was too good to resist.
Before the first course there was an arancino amuse bouche.
The plate of mussels was very good. Fortunately there was plenty of bread…the sauce was too delicious to leave behind.
Spaghetti vongole is one of my favourite Italian dishes. This one is a little different, it has tomato, but I liked it a lot.
Even though I was quite full I did manage to eat the third course of mixed, fried seafood.
There was no room for dessert…pity.
Cappuccetto Rosso is not far from Bagni di Lucca in Gioviano.
Pretty Ponte sky
I was up bright and early this morning…in time to see this lovely sky over Ponte a Serraglio.
The resident heron was up early looking for breakfast.
When I returned this evening the sky put on another good show.
…and the heron was looking for dinner.
I hope he caught something .
Giuliana’s new shop
I told you a while ago about a great new accessory shop in La Villa opened by Giuliana. She has now joined with a friend and moved the shop to Fornoli.
The shop now sells clothes and accessories for men and women.
It is a great addition to Fornoli, and La Villa’s loss. Drop in, say hello and take a look at the excellent selection.
Pinocchio returns
The Pinocchio festival returned to Bagni di Lucca on the weekend.
It was opened by the mayor and a band.
Thank you to Rosi for the photos above, I missed the start.
The band played and some young spectators were keen to try their dance steps.
There were stalls selling all kinds of things and the stall owners got into the spirit of things by dressing up.
It was fun to see some wool preparation, old equipment and some serious knitting and crochet.
…and some wood sawing.
There were stilt walkers and magicians to entertain the crowds.
…a slide for the children.
Best of all are the children playing old fashioned games with their parents watching close by.
This little girl looks very pretty with her painted face.
This is is one cool dude.
I like the mode of transport.
Even Pinocchio needs a rest.
This festival is excellent. I have been to a couple now and it is a fun weekend in La Villa…long may it continue.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 