Wings drying in the sun

Posted on March 23, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

If you look closely at this photo you will see 2 birds standing on the wall in the river at Ponte a Serraglio.

One is a cormorant (I think. I am happy to be corrected) The black bird was drying his wings in the sun. He wasn’t there long before he flew off, no doubt looking for lunch.

It always surprises me to see seagulls on our river, but I suppose it is not all that far as the crow (or seagull) flies from the sea.

Green buds are beginning to appear on the trees. Spring is underway.

The sun is shining, but there is a fierce wind blowing.

Exhibition open

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

The artists’ exhibition is open at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio.

Here is a list of artists showing their work.

…a selection at the entrance and the main room of the casino.

Find 9 faces in this painting.

In the second room is a selection of photographs.

I was happy to see my friend Tina.

…and Annalisa from Bar Italia. Where would Ponte be without her and her team?

The small room.

I hope you will all visit over the next week.

Women’s Day

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

The annual Omaggio alla Donna events will be held at the casino in Ponte a Serraglio from 8 – 14 March..

There will be a series of events beginning on 8th March, with amusic recital after the inauguration at 9.00pm.

An exhibition of painting and sculpture will open on Saturday 9th March. The opening will be 10.00 – 12.30. After that it will be open in the afternoons from 4.30pm – 7.00pm. Continue reading →

Snow at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Debra Kolkka

A friend has just sent a photo and short video of the view from my apartment.

I wish I was there. I love it when it snows in Ponte a Serraglio!

Merry Christmas from Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Susanna from Bar Italia, with help from her friend Dome has created a beautiful Presepe in the old news kiosk beside the river.

It looks wonderful. I wish I was there to see it.

Thank you Dome for the photo and to Elizabeth for sharing it with us.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

What to do with the casino?

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

Bagni di Lucca has the first purpose built casino in Europe. It was built in 1837 and operated as a casino until 1945.

It was restored about 14 years ago and is stunning inside. The work was being done when I first arrived in Ponte a Serraglio and I enjoyed watching the workmen bring the beautiful interior back to life.

It was open for some time as the information centre for Bagni di Lucca. The wonderful Leda worked there and took visitors on guided tours throughout the building, telling tales of times gone by when Puccini and Liszt played for guests.

Now it is open only for events, which seems a pity. Many visitors coming to Bagni di Lucca would like to see inside and ask constantly why it is not open to the public.

There is a thought by many residents that it would be a good idea to reopen it as a visitor and information centre. That way it would be open to the public and be a place of interest. I have been asked by some to see if this would be popular.

What do you think?

If you agree that it would be a good idea to have the casino building open and put to use why not let the Comune know? Drop in and have a chat if you live in the area or send them an email. The website is http://comunebagnidilucca.com

A change in the weather

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

We have had a dramatic change in the weather. The lovely sunny days gave way to torrential rain, howling wind, thunder and lightning in the last couple of days.

The river has turned brown and is moving quickly.

The first showers made for some lovely autumn scenes.

I hope the weather is fine for these 2 events coming up in Bagni di Lucca.

The sun is out now. Let’s hope it lasts for a while.

Yoga lessons at Bar Italia

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The newly renovated Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio is now home to yoga lessons held by Heather Newmarch.

Heather is a qualified personal trainer, yoga instructor (Hatha and Ashtanga), qualified in sports nutrition and is a Reiki Master. She specialises in rehabilitation after injuries. She owned and ran a gym in the U.K. before moving to Bagni di Lucca. She enjoys helping people reach their health and fitness goals.

Heather says that yoga is great for flexibility, strength, stress relief and general wellbeing. She prefers to teach small groups to enable personal attention and to allow freedom of movement.

Yoga classes are held in the large room above the bar every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.00am and each session is one hour. Yoga mats are provided. All levels are catered for and beginners are welcome.

After classes people are welcome to stay on and socialise at the bar and enjoy a coffee or tea. I would certainly add one of Annalisa’s delicious pastries or sandwiches.

Please contact Heather at heather@newmarch.co if you wish to enquire about lessons. Each lesson costs €10.

A day for artists

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The annual art competition organised by Borgo degli Artisti will take place in Villa Fiori park on 8th July.

Artists need to be at Villa Fiori at 8.00am ready to start painting. Work must be finished by 4.00pm and the judging will be at 5.30pm.

Lunch will be held in the park at 12.30pm at a cost of €15. You will need to book for this.

There will be art lessons for children.

This is a fun day for everyone and there are generous prizes for winning artists.

For more information call Morena…320 1107330

Geraniums at Ponte a Serraglio

Posted on June 9, 2018 by Debra Kolkka

The geraniums on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio are thriving this year.

I planted them last month and have been taking care of them. There has been some rain, which makes things easier.

I leave for Australia soon and won’t be back until autumn. Annalisa from Bar Italia has kindly offered to let us use her tap beside the bar to water the flowers on the bridge.

I will leave a watering can at the bar. It would be great if anyone interested in keeping the bridge looking good could help out with watering.

Thank you in advance.

Bella Bagni di Lucca

A beautiful village in Tuscany

Tag Archives: Ponte a Serraglio