Il Ghiottone

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

IIl Ghiottone is an unassuming bar and restaurant on the SS Brennero near Cocciglia.

They do a great lunch for just €10.

I had a prosciutto and mozzarella and delicious beans in an excellent tomato sauce.

My friend had a pork chop and a fresh salad.

Bread, water and wine are included.

Look out for the sign beside the road.

…and coming back the other way. I love this building.

Il Ghiottone means The Glutton. I think it is wonderful that there are so many places in Bagni di Lucca where delicious meals are offered at a great price.

Home gardens

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

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.

The winners are

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Clean up at Villa Fiori

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Art Competition at Villa Fiori

Posted on July 1, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

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 expanded

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

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

Crossbow Tournament

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Just because

Posted on June 17, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

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.

Bagni di Lucca has a new mayor

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Debra Kolkka

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.