Bella Toscana is finally operating. A warm welcome to all those interested in participating in the group.
Gala Placidia's activity
Questions Asked
Testing the group. Can you help by posting something to see whether it is working?
Mon, 10/24/2011 - 10:45
I just heard that the Italian MotoGP pilot Marco Simoncelli has died in a horrific accident at Sepang (Malaysia) during the Grand Prix.
Sun, 10/23/2011 - 08:32
This is "funghi porcini" time and you will find them sold fresh everywhere. A great time to enjoy them. There are many ways to prepare them: sauces, garnishes, omelettes, pasta....
Sat, 10/22/2011 - 14:31
Further to previous posts and threads, I did not get an answer from Admin regarding the current status for "Northern Tuscany" group... Consequently, I decided to do something different and I requested the creation of a new group...
Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:08
Could anyone explain why it is not possible to access the Northern Tuscany Group? I am supposed to be its Administrator and I have not received any information regarding this.
Tue, 10/18/2011 - 04:54
We are just back from a n enjoyable week in Rome and I must mention the great coffee we had at Piazza Sant'Eustachio, a sort of "sanctuary" for all coffee lovers.
Tue, 05/24/2011 - 03:52
We were driving around Lucca when I saw at a newsagent a headline from regional newspaper "Il Tirreno" stating that the Royal couple were coming to Lucca during their honeymoon.
Fri, 04/29/2011 - 12:25
I travel to San Francisco, California, quite frequently as my two daughters live there. I love the city and I have always noticed its strong Italian influence.
Mon, 03/28/2011 - 06:25
Comments posted
After the first year, we transferred our insurance policy to our bank as they were offering better value for money. Check with them.
Don't forget the lentils. They are an important part of the celebrations. From our old Forum.... http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/general-chat-about-italy/11274-best-wishes-new-year.html Enjoy!
Obviously, not everyone is affected by the current crisis!!!!
Jan, we have not used the train to go to Siena from Bagni, we have always gone by car. Anyway, I think that you would have to go from Fornoli to Lucca and catch a train to Siena from there. Check the timetable: www.trenitalia.com We generally go to San Gimignano as well and you need a car to do that.
Italy cannot maintain all of its artistic and archaelogical treasures. Something will need to be done very soon or many of them may be lost.
It is good to know particularly for those looking for property in the area.
Further to my previous post, this is a sample of the figurines that my lovely neighbours have been making since 1900. One of their sets has been selected for the Museum in Bethlehem. http://www.artebarsanti.it/en/presepio-60-cm/
I have to agree with you, Flip, as in Naples the presepi are a true art form rather than a craft. The ones at Bagni are very beautiful, but they are plaster figurines made by using moulds, although they are hand painted one by one. In Spain, we have a magnificent XVIII Century presepio from Naples brought to the Madrid Royal Palace by King Charles III who was also King of Naples. It is considered a masterpiece and it is on display around Christmas. http://www.elpais.com/articulo/cultura/Palacio/Real/acoge/belen/napolitano/135/figuras/elpepucul/20021204elpepucul_1/Tes
It now makes sense, Anne, as Bologna was under Papal control for quite a few centuries.
It usually takes us between 1 and a half and 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there from Lucca. Parking is a bit of a problem, so it may take you some 15 minutes to park the car. Definitely, for us it is a day trip and a very enjoyable one.