Yoga Retreat Day

Posted on October 18, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

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

Posted on October 17, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Chestnut festival at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on October 11, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

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

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Giuliana’s new shop

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

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

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Porcini mushrooms

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

Now is the time for porcini mushrooms in our area. It has been very dry, not good for mushrooms, but some have been gathered in Garfagnana and have appeared at Ristorante Del Sonno in La Villa.

…just perfect for a delicious mushroom risotto.

The recent rain should have more growing in the forests…we wait patiently or impatiently as the case may be.

Local news…

Don’t miss the Pinocchio festival in La Villa this weekend…it is always a lot of fun.

Vendemmia…time to pick grapes

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

All over Italy grapes are ripening on the vines. My friends invited me to help pick their grapes to make wine. I happily agreed.

The setting of the vineyard is lovely and it was a gorgeous day.

The grapes are looking excellent…they taste good too.

Time to pick grapes.

Time for lunch…with some of last year’s wine.

Thank you for inviting me to be part of the day, it was fun and I look forward to sampling the wine when it is ready.

Antique market in Lucca

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

If you are looking for antiques, or interesting old things for your home, garden or wardrobe head off to Lucca on the third weekend of each month for the Antique Market.

The vendors are spread over the streets surrounding Piazza San Giusto, Piazza Antelminelli, San Giovanni and more. There are around 230 vendors in the second oldest market in Italy you can find all kinds of treasures.

Quite a few great things have found their way to my house from the Antique Market.

Alberigi…for your outdoor stuff

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Debra Kolkka

There is a great shop at Chifenti where you can buy all kinds of great things for your garden. They also sell pizza ovens, pellets for your heater and lots of other things.

I spotted these wonderful old water pipes and thought they would look good in the garden at Casa Debbio, but someone had beaten me to them…I should call in more often.

We bought a lovely travertine garden table and bench seats at Alberigi. They also have tiled tables, outdoor paving and some great old things that he finds. I’m sure you will find something you can’t live without here.

http://www.alberigimarcostore.it

Via del Piano 6,

Chifenti

Phone…(39) 0583 895585

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Category Archives: Things to see and do