Sala

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Between rain showers I went to see Sala, a Localita of Bagni di Lucca. To get there, follow the sign to Casabasciana from the SS Brennero. Before you get to Casabasciana there is a sign on the right pointing to Sala.

The road into Sala is lovely.

Someone has been busy chopping wood.

…arriving in Sala.

There is a serious bocce pitch…is that the correct word? It is at the entrance to the town.

Only a handful of people live in Sala, but those who do, look after their little piece of heaven. The houses are all cared for and the gardens are beautiful…come for a walk through the hamlet.

There are a couple of archways leading into the group of houses.

I found a path with a huge cherry tree, laden with almost ripe fruit.

I also found walnut trees, grapes and kiwi vines.

Going through another arch there was a happy tortoise enjoying a bath.

It reminded me a bit of Yoda.

The gardens are thriving under the obvious care of their owners. There are flowers everywhere.

There are views up to Casabasciana.

…and across to Brandeglio.

Sala is another delightful part of Bagni di Lucca. I can see why people would love to live here.

Birds of Bagni di Lucca

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

These gorgeous birds were spotted by a friend in their vineyard recently…not these 2, the photo is courtesy of Google, but a pair just like them.

Have you seen some interesting birds in Bagni di Lucca or nearby? If so, send me photos and I will put them on the blog. It would be fun to see which birds we have here.

I have heard woodpeckers, but I don’t see them. We have swallows and swifts on the river, but they are a bit difficult to capture on film.

Send any photos to debrakolkka@gmail.com.

Rain, rain go away

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

May has been a very wet month in Bagni di Lucca…and it is enough now. We long for some sunny days.

Having said that, I think these wet misty days are beautiful. See what you think.

…and from above.

The rain was so heavy for a while Ponte a Serraglio and Bagni Caldi almost disappeared.

Bagni di Lucca manages to look gorgeous whatever the weather…but some sun now please.

Inaugural Ponte a Serraglio meatball competition

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Today Paul Stoker, local resident, hosted the very first Ponte a Serraglio meatball competition.

There were 14 competitors and three worthy judges.

This is the trophy awaiting the lucky winner.

Here is Paul registering the competitors.

Each competitor was given a numbered plate on which 2 meatballs would be presented to the judges. Here is the criteria for the judges…serious stuff.

The meatballs were heated in the kitchen and placed on the plates and taken to the judges…not by the competitors, it was all anonymous.

Here are the judges setting to their work.

The competitors and other guests waited patiently for the judges to complete their task.

Then it was time to eat the meatballs.

Finally it was time to announce the winners. Third prize, I am happy to say, came to me. Teri came second and the winner…Paul Stoker.

This may seem a little unusual, but Paul’s meatballs were delicious and the judges had no idea who made them.

It was a fun afternoon…and we will all be practising to beat Paul next year.

Ponte Maggio

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

There are several bridges crossing the Lima River in Bagni di Lucca, but Ponte Maggio which crosses to Casoli is probably the prettiest.

The river looks very inviting from the bridge. I went down to the water here last year and dipped my toes in. I was very tempted to dive in.

It was a bit cool on my recent visit, but I’m sure this bit of the river will be popular when the weather warms up.

Tombolata at Fornoli

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

…something to do this Sunday in Fornoli.

Ponte pansies

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

The pansies on the bridge haven’t been the best this year. They are nowhere as good as those from last year. I have no idea why, perhaps the weather didn’t suit them.

In about a week I will take them out and replace them with geraniums for the summer. Let’s hope they do better.

Take a last look at the 2016 pansies.

Anyone who would like to help water them over the summer please let me know.

Then and now…Lugliano

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Then…

Now…sorry about the car. I waited a while but it wasn’t going anywhere.

The water fountain is still there.

Lugliano hasn’t changed much at all in this area. It is a lovely village with some great views.

Then and now, Terme

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Jean Varraud Terme has been one of the reasons visitors come to Bagni di Lucca for many years.

Here is how it looked in years past.

…and now.

A car park never adds much to the ambience, but at least Terme is operating and popular.

A puzzle

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Debra Kolkka

Next door to our place is an apartment that has been empty since the old lady who lived there died. It was shortly after I arrived in Bagni di Lucca, probably about 12 years ago.

The roof is clearly leaking and the external walls are damp.

It is a perfectly good apartment. I have seen the inside. It is large, with good sized rooms. It needs a complete makeover, including a kitchen and bathroom. The balcony overlooks the river and is a good size. It would have great views up and down the river.

The puzzle is…why haven’t the owners done something with it? It could have been rented. It could be sold. Instead it is just left there to rot, no doubt endangering the apartment below it as well. At the very least they should be made to secure the roof.

Any suggestions?

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Tag Archives: Italy