I am back in one of my favorite places – Bagni di Lucca in Tuscany. It is just as beautiful as I had remembered.
The weather has been very changeable with a few days of winter and then perfect spring days. The nights are still cold but the days are warm, sometimes hot, and gorgeous.
Views from the apartment.
Here in Ponte a Serraglio, a village in Bagni di Lucca, our day always starts with coffee and a pastry at Il Monaco, in the piazza, which is only a minute walk from the apartment. It is always a friendly and social event with the constant “buongiorno ” and “ciao ” as my new friends are always popping in for their morning coffee. It is a very pleasant and civilised way to start a day. Something I could easily adopt into my every day living.
Our day usually ends with an aperativo across the piazza at Bar Italia where once again it is the constant greetings of “ciao”and “buona sera” with friends. There is always someone to sit with, chat and enjoy a glass of vino. I love this time of the day. We can stay on for dinner or head off, either back to the apartment or to one of the local restaurants.
Occasionally we have eaten lunch at Bar Italia where they make a wonderful Mediterranean salad.
View from the bar.
So much of the socializing is in this piazza where Bar Italia and Il Monaco are, with always many familiar faces and some new ones. There are many expats living or staying for extended periods of time in the area so for us non-Italian speakers there is plenty of English spoken.
This is a truly delightful area to spend time.
Hi Lyn
Love you blog. some advice please. Have two days to spare while in Italy and have booked into Lucca at a place on Via Dell’Anfiteatro in Lucca – wondering if Bagni di Lucca might be nicer seeing as I only have 2 days. Traveling with another 5W from the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.
In friendship
Christine Edlund
Ballina
Hi Christine. Thanks for your comment. Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca is a great area. Lucca is a fabulous city with so much to do. I just had 8 days there and did not run out of things to see. I am a big fan of Bagni di Lucca but I would suggest you stay in Lucca. Next time stay for longer and see Bagni di Lucca
Thanks Lyn Think will put Lucca down for extended stay next year. Hope to head back.to Italy next year Sept/October. Christine
Date: Thu, 26 May 2016 08:14:33 +0000 To: ceedlu@hotmail.com
Hi tesoro…ma che belle fotografie di Bagni…mi piace molto quella del caffe latte col pasticcino e quella del pranzo con un bicchiere di prosecco…benissimo sei propio diventata una del posto ,bar alla mattina per colazione e poi un piacevole pranzo,seguito magari da un riposino prima di una camminata per il paese verso sera…come gli abitanti del borgo.
Sono contento che ti trovi a tuo agio e che tutto prosegue bene.
Un caro saluto,Bacioni Peter
Grazie Tesoro. Yes, you can tell, I am loving it here. Today and tomorrow I am on my own so just catching up with some new friends. Va bene. Bacioni
Reblogged this on Tour Suggest and commented:
Beautiful Images, thank you Lynn for sharing.
Glad you liked. Thanks for your comment.
Lyn, you are making me want to go to Lucca
I am sure you would be happy that you did
It is great that you could stay with us in our apartment at Ponte a Serraglio and use it as a base for your Italian adventures. Everyone who has stayed in our Ponte apartment since we bought it 13 years ago has loved the central location in the village and our gorgeous view. Being immediately welcomed into our little community of friends and acquaintances is a bonus…almost like being a local from the start, something you don’t get if you stay at an anonymous hotel. I hope you enjoy your last couple of days before you head off back to Australia.
The past few days I have been living the dream. Thanks to you both for helping to make that possible. Meeting new people every day and making new friends has been a welcome bonus. I love this place
Love this place😘 Want to go there one day. Really enjoying your trip to Italy. Xx
Thanks Leah. Yeah it is a wonderful place to love. I could easily stay for much longer but of course I also want to come home to Buddy and my family and my friends xx
Sounds enchanting Lyn… I could see getting used that kind of routine every day as well. I love how the Italians greet people, regardless if you are a local or not. The not in a rush lifestyle is also so wonderful allowing to take the time to notice people and greet them! So different than where I am from, always in a rush :-(
Thanks Rae. It is enchanting. So easy and such a pleasure to be here and yes, I could also get used to this lifestyle
I want to be there! It sounds delightful x
We can come here another time Mary x
Glad your heart is open to new adventures, new places, new people,new culture.Embrace it and enjoy your home away from home.
Thanks Gail I am loving it here in Bagni di lucca
My mouth is watering! I must pop into the kitchen and make an espresso. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Thanks Kay. Hope you enjoyed your espresso
Oh you could never tire of the view and the life style. Keep living La Dolci Vita as you will be back in the real world soon. xxx
Donna I can look at that view for hours xx
My husband and I will stay in Lucca for two and half months as our base. We surely will make BDL as one of our must stop and hopefully meet few locals. We are from Sunny S. California. Thks
Lucca is the most perfect place to stay and make a base. It has so much to see and do and it is also very close to so many places. Riviera, mountains, wineries, Tuscan hills etc. There are regular buses from Lucca to BdL – Ponte a Serraglio which mostly run in the morning and afternoon. The tourist office in Lucca near the gate has more info and timetable. If you have a car you can stop at other villages in the BdL area. Enjoy. It will be perfect. Lyn
Such gorgeous pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jill it is a gorgeous place. I love sharing. I have a great story coming up
Looks like a beautiful place.
Thanks LB, it truly is.
We love our Italian house in the country but I almost envy you being able to pop into the bar without getting into the car.
It is fabulous. A great finale to every day
I could tell from your view that you were staying at Debra’s!
Reblogged this on uaetravelguide and commented:
You have truly made me to involve in your blog. And I have totally involved and witnessed the beauty of Italy through your blog. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Glad you enjoy my blog, thanks for your comment
I liked your experience and Reblogged @Uaetravelguide.