Just what we need in Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The new fruit and vegetable shop opened in Ponte a Serraglio and drew a huge crowd of well wishers…and buyers.

The shop has exceeded expectations. The space is tiny and it is overflowing with great food. There is much more than just fruit and vegetables, which look amazing.

There is also a deli counter filled with delights. It was a bit crowded so I couldn’t photograph much.

There are shelves stocked with handy items for convenient shopping.

There were refreshments, of course, and a huge cake.

A young family is behind this new venture. When things settle a bit I will have a chat with them and find out a bit more…along with the opening hours.

Verdemura, Lucca garden event

Posted on April 6, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Verdemura, the annual garden show started today on the wall of Lucca. It is in a new spot near Porta San Donato and Porta Santa Anna.

There were not quite as many plants as last year. I think this cold spring has held back plant growth. There is still plenty to see and buy and it was a glorious day…perfect for some time on the wall.

Of course there is also food…cheese, salumi and a happy face.

Verdemura continues tomorrow and Sunday. Entry is €6.

An exciting addition to Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

A fruit and vegetable shop is about to open in Ponte a Serraglio, something we have needed for some time.

The shop will also sell bread and local products and will be beside Bar Italia.

The opening will be on 7th April. I’m sure everyone will support the new venture.

2 Garden events

Posted on March 31, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Next week in Lucca the annual Verdemura will be held. It begins Friday 7th April and continues on Saturday and Sunday. It is in a new location this year, near Porta San Donato on the stunning wall of Lucca rather than Porta Santa Maria.

This is a great place to find fabulous things for your garden.

The following weekend will be the Azalea Festival at Borgo a Mozzano. The town will be decorated and there will be excellent plants for sale and much more.

With a bit of luck some glorious spring weather will accompany these 2 wonderful events.

Spring walk 2018

Posted on March 29, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The annual spring walk around Bagni di Lucca will take place on Monday 2nd April. You can either walk 2, 4, 10, 18 or 20 kilometres, beginning in Fornoli. You can begin the walk between 7.30am and 8.30am.

This is a fun way to see a different side of Bagni di Lucca. Get a group of friends together and chose your walk. Refreshments are provided along the way and the tracks are well marked.

For more information phone 0583 87932 or 349 6953500

Welcome new Bar Italia

Posted on March 24, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio opened this evening. A large crowd of well wishers gathered early and the brand new bar was soon full.

Annalisa was there to welcome everyone.

Her helpers were all there too.

Of course there was lots of food.

…and lots of people.

I am delighted that Bar Italia is open again. The piazza has been very quiet without it. I look across the piazza to the bar from my apartment and it has been very sad to see it closed.

We will be back bright and early tomorrow morning for our first breakfast at Bar Italia.

Bar Italia reopens

Posted on March 20, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio has been closed for extensive renovations. I can happily report that it will reopen this Saturday, 24th March.

There will be opening celebrations from 5.00pm. I hope everyone will come along to wish Annalisa and her team the best for the new start.

This an old photo. There will lots more of the new bar after the opening.

Ineke’s Mitten

Posted on March 18, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Our area is now so quiet and peaceful it is difficult to think that it was once heavily involved in the battles of WWII. The Gothic Line was a German defensive line built from Pisa to Rimini and it went through the northern Apennine Mountains around Bagni di Lucca. There is still evidence today of the fortifications built in the area.

Charles McNamara has written a novel, Ineke’s Mitten, about two friends, Norwegian Nels Torkle and Italian Alberto Bisio, who are sent towards the end of the war to fight near Lucca, Bisio’s home town.

The novel tell how two men, forced to hide in America from the Germans during WWII join the Tenth Mountain Division and are sent to train in the mountains of Colorado. Finally, not long before the end of the war, they are sent into combat in Europe.

In early 1945 the division is sent to Lucca in a desperate attempt to dislodge the Germans from their mountain strongholds. The commanders rely on the two friends to find an attack route up a dangerous cliff called Riva Ridge. Because of their efforts, the Germans are sent fleeing from their final stronghold in Europe.

I think it is always interesting to read about events that take place in a familiar area. I’m sure Charles’ book brings to life a very difficult time in our beautiful mountains.

http://smashwords.com/books/view/771233

Goats on the move

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

One of the things I really enjoy about Bagni di Lucca is occasionally coming across traditional farming activities.

In the area behind Montefegatesi on the way to Orrido di Botri it is not unusual to come across a large herd of goats, with the occasional sheep, being brought in for the evening after a day foraging in the forest.

It doesn’t even matter when the road is taken over for a while.

These goats are milked to make cheese, a labour of love for the couple responsible. I wonder if young people will step up to keep these jobs alive or will they eventually be lost.