Before we came to Lucca in April of 2021, I had never heard of phylloxera or what effect it had on vineyards in Italy and all of Europe. Then we became good friends with Jim and JoAn and my wine …
Arrivederci 2021 – Year in Review
Most of us are saying “Arrivederci” to 2021 with almost the same gusto as when we said the same words to the year 2020. Times have changed for everyone around the world. With travel restrictions still in place, the one …
Get Lost in the Boboli Gardens | Florence
Boboli Gardens The Boboli Gardens were designed by Niccolo Tribolo who died one year after starting the gardens. Bartolommeo Ammanati, Bernardo Buontalenti, and Giorgio Vasari completed the gardens according to plan. The name came from the hill, Boboli, in which …
Lights & Holiday Spirit in Italy
Christmas lights always signify to me the beginning of the holiday season. They are beautifully strung around trees and even up the trunk of palm trees back in the States. But there is something special about lights in Italy. Each …
Devil’s Bridge | Interesting Tuscan Legends
Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo) |Borgo a Mozzano Recently, Gary and I explored the Devil’s Bridge or Ponte del Diavolo – the main attraction in the town of Borgo a Mozzano. A quick 20-minute train trip from Lucca along with …
The Walls “Le Mura” Make Lucca Special
“Le Mura” The first thing you see as you near the city center in Lucca is the outer wall or Le Mura. Whether you arrive by train, bus, or car it is there right in front of you. To enter …
Visit The Bargello National Museum | Florence
The Bargello National Museum The Bargello Museum is located in the Palazzo del Bargello and is one of the oldest buildings in Florence dating back to 1255. Initially, the building was the headquarters of the Captain of the People, Capitano del Popolo, and later …
The Beauty & History of the Palazzo Pfanner
Palazzo Pfanner Gary and I took a few hours recently and walked to the Palazzo Pfanner to finally take a peek inside. We have been to Lucca several times before moving here, however, never had the chance to explore this …
An Italian Bank Account | How to Open
Italian Bank Account | A Funny Financial Adventure Opening an Italian bank account recently took a great deal of time and patience. Thankfully, we had the help of a gentleman here in Lucca known as “Tony- the Guy.” Tony was …
The Field of Miracles in Pisa | Wonder of the World
The Field of Miracles in Pisa, Italy The Field of Miracles is the most popular attraction in Pisa and one of the most famous places in the world. This walled 8.87-hectare area (22 acres) consists of The Leaning Tower, the …
Going to the Cinema | First Time in Italy
Our first time at the cinema in Italy! What a treat it was to experience going to the movies in Lucca! When I saw a notification in one of our Facebook groups that “No Time to Die” was being shown …
Norcia, Italy | Our Extra Special Town
The small town of Norcia is located in the province of Perugia in southeastern Umbria. Norcia is located in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. It’s one of those small …