Wednesday this week Bagni di Lucca transformed into one giant market. Dozens of vendors squeezed together to sell everything from food and furniture to toys, clothing, kitchen items, ceramics and much more. This twice a summer event brought large crowds to the La Villa village of Bagni di Lucca. Food vendors shared free samples and read more…
Bagni di Lucca, Italy turned back the clock Sunday for Palio della Val di Lima. This living history event showcased crossbow shooting and medieval life in Italy. Cannon fire announced the beginning of festivities at 10am. Dozens of locals donned traditional medieval attire and weaponry in Contessa Casalini Park. Besides the frequent rumble of cannon read more…
Last night Spencer and I ventured down to Ponte a Serraglio for an evening with the Italian Red Cross. To celebrate its 151st anniversary organizers are hosting a 3 day event. Just the walk to Parco Villa Fiori is worth the quick trip to our neighboring village. A long pedestrian bridge crossing the Lima River read more…
One week ago today Spencer and I arrived in Italy for the beginning of our 9-week vacation. I thought I would give Spencer’s perspective on our first week. “We are staying in Bagni di Lucca. I like to swim in the hotel pool and play in the park. We rode bikes on the wall in read more…
Saturday night Spencer and I attended our first art show. American Rich Smukler opened his exhibition “Una Retrospettiva Fotografica” in Ponte a Serraglio. Smukler traveled throughout Italy and captured the essence of Italian landscapes in bold, colorful, and creative ways. Now living in Boca Raton, Florida Smukler’s photographs have been featured in museums, galleries and read more…
Spencer and I caught a bus from Bagni di Lucca to the city of Lucca this morning. Our driver dropped us off outside the famous wall and we found our way inside this impressive city. Spencer demanded we first ride bikes along the 2 1/2 mile wall. For 6 euro we rented 2 bicycles for read more…
After 3 flights and one very long day, Spencer and I are finally in Italy. We arrived in Pisa and our driver Riccardo was waiting to take us to Bagni di Lucca. He stopped along the way for a quick photo of the Devils Bridge. Bagni di Lucca boasts views I have only dreamed about. read more…
Spencer and I are in hurry up and wait mode. In about an hour our plane will take off for Italy. We will spend 9 weeks touring Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and with any luck, find a property to rent long term. We are leaving cool temperatures in Indiana behind for what appears to be read more…
This morning I woke up and started packing for our 9 week Italian vacation that starts tomorrow. Yes, I know, I’m a late packer. I should have started days ago, but I organize better under pressure. I thank my 12 years in television news dealing with crazy deadlines for that reasoning. Last year I managed read more…