The annual festival to celebrate Pinocchio will return this weekend.
This festival is a lot of fun, something for everyone.
Pinocchio returns
1
Tag Archives: Italy
Book launch, Buying and Restoring in Tuscany
David Collins has written part 2 of Buying and Restoring in Tuscany, an excellent guide for those looking to buy in this gorgeous part of the world.
There will be a book launch on September 8th in Lucca at Lucca Libri, Viale Regina Margherita 113. (Near the train station) It will begin at 5pm with an aperitivo. Come along to meet the author and hear all about the book.
Here is what to expect from the new book…
The second volume of this poular guide provides the reader with priceless information about searching for, and buying and restoring a property in Tuscany. It is packed with valuable tips and precious advice difficult to find elsewhere and is based on practical day-to-day experience of the author.
David shows us how to conduct a negotiation the “Italian way” or to quickly recognise a dwelling in disguise. The role and responsibility of the Italian notary is unveiled for the Anglo-Saxon world. We learn about the essential steps in managing a restoration project whilst revealing several tips.
He explains how earthquakes can affect older properties and unravels the complex laws in a simple and plain way for everyone to understand. The section on swimming pools makes you want to immediately go for a refreshing dip. The chapter on arches is both fascinating and insightful or the way he throws a sense of humour on malfunctioning septic tanks and suggestions for fixes.
David “the philosopher” reflects on why people move to Tuscany in the first place and how some end up living a full and wholesome life whilst others live in a bubble. Many essential taxation matters are revealed and the book wraps up with a very useful checklist of questions that everyone must have when viewing a property.
David has managed to provide us with a wealth of information deriving from his unsurpassed experience of working and living in Tuscany. This book is an absolute must before you depart on the Italian journey!
For those not able to attend the launch the book is available on Amazon.
Events in Bagni di Lucca
Summer events continue…
The first one celebrates Percy Shelley, the British poet who spent time in Bagni di Lucca with his friend Lord Byron.
On 1st September there will be a concert in the English Cemetery where the renovation of tombs and monuments continues.
Talk to the people at the information centre in La Villa for more information.
More events for Bagni di Lucca
Summer is a busy time in Bagni di Lucca. Here are some more events coming up.
Sunday 5th is a busy day with 2 events.
The inauguration of a photographic exhibition of immigtation stories will be at the Oratorio della Madonna del Rosario in Casabasciana. This is one I would love to see. The exhibition will be there until 19th August.
I love sbandieratori! I wish I could be in Brandeglio to see the flag throwers. Let’s hope it is a fine day on Sunday.
…and another in San Cassiano di Controne.
This is a list I found with lots of upcoming events…something for everyone.
This is a list of events in Casabasciana.
Outdoor cinema seems to be popular this summer. I’m sure these events will be well attended.
What’s happening in Bagni di Lucca
There is always something happening in Bagni di Lucca. It isn’t always easy to find out where and when they are happening.
Here are some events coming up.
There are outdoor movie nights in Cafaggio, Fornoli. The next one is on 26th July. The movie will be Wonder, with Julia Roberts.
Rifugio Fiori in Pieve di Monti di Villa is also having movie showings. Roman Holiday is showing 26th July.
There is a concert at Villa Web on 27th July.
There is a gastronomic walk in Montefegatesi on Sunday 5th August, beginning at 12.00.
Also in Montefegatesi, on Tuesday 14th August will be Apericena in the piazza in Montefegatesi at 7.00pm. Look on Facebook on the Montefegatesi Official Page for more information.
Best of all, the beautiful pool in La Villa should be open on 28th July for one month. It has been undergoing extensive renovations and will come back better than ever. It will close again at the end of August for more work.
This is an old photo. I look forward to seeing the new pool.
If you have an event coming up in Bagni di Lucca please email me at debrakolkka@gmail.com and I will put it on Bella Bagni di Lucca to help spread the word.
Riolo, then and now
I love these old photos of the villages of Bagni di Lucca. Sometimes there are big changes, and sometimes not. Here is an old photo of the centre of Riolo.
The road in front of the house in the foreground has been widened to allow cars to get through.
The house now has a pergola in front covered in grape vines.
The path leading up from the piazza looks much the same.
The villages of Bagni di Lucca are all interesting, with their own character.
A new bar for Montefegatesi
It is always sad news when there are closures in the villages of Bagni di Lucca. The wonderful bar in Montefegatesi closed recently but the residents didn’t take long to fix the situation.
A bar is an important part of these small villages. It is not just a place to have coffee or an aperitivo, it is a place to meet friends, exchange news, have some fun and be part of a community. It is certainly where I met people who became friends and got to know about Bagni di Lucca life when I first came to the area 15 years ago.
The local Circolo in Montefegatesi has been renovated and now houses a brand new bar, which opened recently.
Top marks to the people of Montefegatesi for taking matters into their own hands and congratulations on the excellent new bar.
Thank you Lizzy Ashard for providing the photos of the new bar.
