I love that Bagni di Lucca residents grow things in tiny patches of land. Little plots grow vegetables and fruit and olive trees. Grape vines form fences. I often see thriving gardens on my walks around the villages.
I was happy to meet Rino Pacini who proudly showed me his growing vegetables.
His front yard is also lovingly tended.
Growng basil in a pot is about all I can manage on my tiny balcony at Ponte a Serraglio.
Sunday was hot at Ponte a Serraglio, but it didn’t stop lots of artists to gather to take part in the art competition in the Villa Fiori park.
I wasn’t there, but my friends Moe and Liz took some photos to share. There are also some by local photographers Valerio Ceccarelli and Domenico Bertuccelli.
Artists found a cool spot where they could.
My friend Moe had a great vantage point on my balcony.
The standard was excellent.
There was music and dancing.
These were the first 3 prizes awarded…I think 3rd and 4th and 5th.
This is the second prize.
This is the winner.
Congratulations to everyone involved for a successful day at Ponte a Serraglio.
A team of people has cleaned the shallow pool and the overgrown area beside Villa Fiori.
The lovely diver will now be visible again. Perhaps she will be the subject for some of the artists who will gather for the art competition on the weekend.
Thank you to the group of people involved.
It is almost time for the annual art competition held by Borgo degli Atisti in the park beside Villa Fiori.
It is a fun day whether you are an artist or an observer. Come to watch the artists at work or set up an easel and start painting.
Alberigi has grown! They have opened a huge new area near their small shop on the road from Chifenti to Fornoli.
You will find all kinds of wonderful things for your home and garden.
I dare you to go there and come away empty handed.
http://www.alberigimarcostore.it
The National Crossbow Tournament, Campionato nazionale di Balestra Storica, will take place on Sunday 25th June at Villa Ada in La Villa.
There will also be events at nearby Villa Web.
This is a fun day…don’t miss it. The events should get underway at about 9.00am.
I was driving between villages when I looked up to see this view. I stopped the car to take some photos. The fragrance in the mountains is heavenly. There had been some rain and the sun had just come out, so everything was fresh and clean.
Take some time to drive through the mountain villages. This is from the San Cassiano road.
Paolo Michelini has been elected as the mayor for Bagni di Lucca for the next 5 years. I am hoping he has some new ideas and some vision for the community.
How lucky we are to have this fabulous gelateria right on our doorstep. Fuori dal Centro is on the SS Brennero near the turnoff for Fornoli.
The interior is bright and cheerful and the staff friendly and helpful.
There isn’t a huge flavour range, but you can be sure whatever you choose it will be delicious.
The freezer contains fabulous ice cream cakes to take home for later.
There is plenty of seating inside and out, so you won’t have to rush. Sit and savour this delicious gelato.
After one visit you may find it difficult to drive past without stopping.
The War Memorial in San Cassiano has been lovingly restored. Too many lives were lost from the area. It is heart breaking to see the list of the names of those who died fighting.
Bands played, crowds came…people of all ages, there were speeches, there was food and there was rain.
I saw the restored monument last week and it is looking great. It is clear that these men will not be forgotten.
I wasn’t there today, as I am now on my way back to Australia for a few months. Thank you to Paul Anthony Davies for allowing me to share his wonderful photos.
