See
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Devil’s Circle
Today, our last day of the tour, we travelled to San Pellegrino in Alpe. A bit chilly, we nestled together in a little cafe and had somo ‘cioccolata calla’ (hot chocolate) which is served very very thick – I needed a spoon. We visited the Ethnographic Museum Don Luigi Pellegrini. It was full of objects…
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Sightseeing in Bagni di Lucca
Before our cooking class we had a little time to kill. We stopped for some gelato in Bagni di Lucca and enjoyed the picturesque village as we walked around. We took some scenic photos of the 18th century chain bridge and walked to the unused Casino at Ponte al Serraglio. Chain Bridge 2 Casino…
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The last Blacksmith
We drive to Piegaio to pay a visit to Carlo Galgani. The Galgani family has been blacksmiths for 500 years. Carlo is the last blacksmith in the family and holds on to the hope that one of his grandchildren will continue the family tradition. Front of Carlo’s blacksmithing shop workshop full of…
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Tour of Villa Torrigiani
Villa Torrigiani At the end of the day we went to Villa Torrigiani in Camigliano. Villa Torrigiani is a 16th century villa hiding behind an extravagant baroque facade slapped on in the 17th century. We took a private tour of the panelled and painted grand hall and with bedrooms decorated with their original silk…
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Exploring Barga
In the wall above the entry to Barga About 6 pm we drove to Barga. As we entered the area I could see ‘New Barga” on the outskirts with newer buildings and ‘Old Barga’ the picturesque medieval hilltop town with a vibrant artistic community. It was an absolute pleasure to get lost and explore the…
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Festa di Primavera in Castiglione
At 11 am we arrive in Castiglione for their Festa di Primavera (Spring Festival). This picturesque walled town in the Garfagnana featured handmade crafts and food vendors. We strolled through the town and ooh and ahh’d at the beautiful old buildings and scenic views seen below. Tour group arrival Church at the base of…
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Agriturismo Arrivals
Part of my exchange agreement with Heather is that I both help with marketing initiatives and assist during tours, that is why I have not been posting for the last few days. I figured the business end of the Tastes & Textiles tour wouldn’t be of much interest to my blog readers. The Arrival Day…
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Cheese-throwing in Castiglione
This year, the Festa introduced a ‘Cheese-throwing Competition’. A local explained to me that this started off as a pass-time and has developed into a sport with different leagues. This competition starts at the bottom level of the village and the goal is to reach the finish line (at the top of the village) in…
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Day Trip to Viareggio
With my room booked for three nights in Torre del Lago, I decided to take a day trip to nearby Viareggio. Viareggio is another coastal town about a 15 minute bus ride from Torre del Lago. I purchased both my departure and return bus tickets at the Tabac (storefronts that usually only sell cigarettes and…
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Beach Weekend: Torre del Lago Puccini
My host is in London for the weekend, and instead of staying up on the mountain with no way down, she suggested I take a weekend trip to Viareggio. I researched the area online and called ahead to book my room at a bed and breakfast near the beach. Interestingly enough, in the USA, your…