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Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea…
I’m delighted to announce that my guest today is Theresa Fiore Bragg… Theresa is an octogenarian and leads a full and adventurous life… she is passionate about her Wedding & Event Production Company in California, where, along with her daughters and grandchildren they have created a 10 acre Tuscan Venue, La Grande Estates. Theresa also spends a few months each year in Lucca, where she has firmly established herself as a valued member of the Lucca community… indeed she is considered an honorary citizen in Lucca… and this is evident whenever you walk out in Centro Storico with Mama T, as she is fondly known. Locals, shopkeepers and even the Mayor stop to say Ciao… and if she sees a wedding taking place, in one of the many churches in Lucca, Mama Mia… she cannot stop herself from running over and taking a photo…. Interestingly, Theresa has Italian heritage and her late husband was an Olympic Gold Medalist. Suffice to say, her back story is fascinating, and integral to her life in Lucca.
Grapevine Magazine
Discount Code: GVLIFE10
Website: www.luccagrapevine.com
Click Subscriptions > Grapevine on-line… complete the online form
Our Italian Journey
Website: https://ouritalianjourney.com
Audio book: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Italian-Journey-Living-Adventure/dp/B0CNHY4MHQ/
Connect with Theresa and/or La Grande Weddings
M: +1 925 435 6702
W: https://www.lagrandeweddings.com
I: theresa.bragg
I: lagrandeweddings
FB: Theresa Fiore Bragg
FB: La Grande Wedding & Event Center
Theresa’s Recommendations
Ristorante Lucca in Tavola; Via S. Paolino, 130
Osteria Da Pasquale; Via del Moro, 8
Caffè Puccini; Via Fillungo, 218
Gelateria Momo; Via della Fratta, 23
3 main churches: San Frediano; San Michele; Duomo di San Martino
The Anfiteatro… cafes, bars and shops
The Tunnels… explore the tunnels of the Walls
Opera… so many musical events all year round
Outside the Walls
Andrea Bocelli… book tickets at the Teatro del Silenzio, Lajatico
Visit the city of Florence
Visit the town of San Gimignano
Explore the coastal villages of the Cinque Terra
Book a tour of one of the many Wineries
Favourite Italian Word/Phrase
Va bene… ok/all right
Allora… also/well (filler word for a natural pause)
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes.
Website: https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Ko-fi: ko-fi/lifeinlucca
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Life in Lucca with Andrea - Series 3 starts the first week of April 2024 - Subscribe Now!
Ciao and Welcome to the Series 3 Trailer for Life in Lucca with Andrea!
It gives me great pleasure to reveal that Series 3 will be launched during the first week of April. And… I’m sure that you’ll be delighted to know that I’ve interviewed some really interesting guests for Series 3, it’s an absolute joy listening back to the interviews during the editing process. After all the years I’ve spent in Lucca there is always something new to learn about this beautiful and welcoming city, so a big thank you to my guests for their time, and generosity.
And… I’m also delighted to tell you that the Life in Lucca with Andrea podcast has recently burst through 7000 downloads across 56 countries, it’s mind blowing.
So, whilst you are waiting for the launch of Series 3, you could listen to, or even re-visit Series 1 and 2 of Life in Lucca with Andrea, and whilst you’re there, why not hit the subscribe or follow button on your usual podcast app so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a review.
It always gives me a buzz when listeners contact me, I really enjoy reading your emails and it’s been wonderful meeting some of you in Lucca and making new friends.
You can also follow me on Instagram at andreas_life_in_lucca as during the months that I’m in Lucca, I post photos of my adventures and the people I meet for you to enjoy.
I self-fund this podcast, and so I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have made donations through the Ko-Fi donation webpage. For anybody that doesn’t know about the Ko-Fi donation webpage, it’s so very easy to use, and your donations no matter how big or small, really help me keep the podcast alive. You can donate by going to the Ko-Fi website where you can link to my page which is
ko-fi/lifeinlucca.
Thanks so much for listening and your continued support. You’ll find lots of information in the Episode notes, also, you can e-mail me at [email protected] and we can perhaps arrange to meet up for a coffee chat or a walk on the walls.
A presto!
Donate: ko-fi/lifeinlucca
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode Notes
Grapevine Magazine
Discount Code (10% off annual subscription): GVLIFE10
Website: www.luccagrapevine.com
Click Subscriptions > Grapevine on-line… complete the online form
Our Italian Journey
Website: https://ouritalianjourney.com
Audible book: Our Italian Journey (to be released on Amazon Audible mid November 2023)
Connect with Giulia at Melting Pot Lucca
Website: www.meltingpotlucca.it
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +39 388 9318676
Address: Via San Marco, 21 Lucca 55100 (5 minutes outside the walls just off Borgo Giannotti)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meltingpotlucca
Instagram: @meltingpotlucca
Giulia’s Recommendations - Food and drink
Trattoria Da Giulio in Pelleria, Via delle Conce, 45 Lucca
Cucina dello Scompiglio, (Guamo) Via di Vorno, 67/B 55012 Capannori
Bar Osteria Lo Stellario, Piazza San Francesco, 46 Lucca… for an aperitivo
La Bontà (Gelateria) Via Castruccio Castracani, 269, Lucca (5 minutes outside Porta Elisa)… especially the yogurt
Giulia’s Recommendations - Things to see and do
Walk the Walls of Lucca
Climb the Guinigi Tower (inside the walls)
Climb the Bell Tower (inside the walls)
Visit the Orto Botanico gardens (inside the walls)
Visit the Garfagnana… Barga… Castelnuovo
Visit Altopascio… a section of the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Magari… I wish/I hope so
Vabbè… whatever (short form of ‘va bene’ (alright/ok) accompanied by a ‘shrug’ of the shoulders!
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes. You could also hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button now so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a REVIEW.
Website: https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Ko-fi: ko-fi/lifeinlucca
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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My guest today is Norma Jean Bishop. Some of you will know Norma Jean as the editor of the long established cultural magazine, Grapevine, which is THE GO-TO publication for anybody visiting, or living in and around Lucca. What you may not know however is that Norma Jean has Italian heritage, studied in Florence, and after living in Paris for a spell, moved with her family to the Province of Lucca to make it a permanent base nearly 30 years ago. As a consequence, she has many interesting stories and experiences to share and makes a fascinating guest. I particularly enjoyed recording this episode which took place in the Grapevine office, as you can hear the authentic sounds of Lucca in the background.
Connect with this Episode’s supporter - Melting Pot Lucca, Language School
Website: www.meltingpotlucca.it
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: @meltingpotlucca
Facebook: meltingpotlucca
Exclusive 10% Discount Code LIFE10 (expires 31 July 2023)
Norma Jean’s Recommendations
The Walls, Lucca, inside view of the historical centre, and view out over the Provence of Lucca
Piazza Giglio; Piazza Michele, the Anfiteatro etc, sit and people watch
Take the train to the mountains or the coast…
The Garfagnana… Castelnuovo; San Romano; Eremo di Calomini
Pescaglia, hilltop village
Trebbio, Carlo Galgani, the Blacksmith
Carraia, the smallest Opera House
Colognora, Chestnut museum
Trattoria da Nonna Clara, Via Santa Croce, 71 Lucca
Ristorante Buca di Sant’ Antonio, Via della Cervia, 3 Lucca
Pasticceria Dianda, Via Della Rosa, 9 Lucca
Gelateria and Chocolatier, Caniparoli, Via San Paolino, 44
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Dunque - well (filler word for a natural pause)
Allora - also/well (filler word for a natural pause)
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes. You could also hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button now so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a REVIEW.
Website: https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Ko-fi: ko-fi/lifeinlucca
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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My guest today is Jean Bernard, Jean is a very joyful Frenchman, and not surprisingly, it seems that everybody in Lucca knows Jean. He is a specialist in linguistics, and very well-travelled; despite having experienced many places and cultures, like a growing number of well travelled people, he has chosen Lucca as his permanent home. He is quite the wine connoisseur, and loves an adventure. However, in 2021 he had an adventure that he hadn’t quite anticipated. On a return trip from Naples, whilst in the middle of nowhere, he had an accident on his scooter and consequently experienced the Italian health care system.
Jean's Recommendations
Ristorante Lucca in Tavola, Via S Paolino, 130
Ristorante Cicci, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 89/95
Trattoria da Ubaldo, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 67
Ristorante SurReale, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 37
Cibus & Pizza, Via Elisa, 53
Ristorante Pizzeria Piccolo Mondo, Piazza dei Cocomeri, 5
Ristorante Giglio, Piazza del Giglio, 2
Trattoria Gigi, Piazza del Carmine, 7
Ristorante all’Olivo, Via Arancio, 38
Pizzeria Mara Meo, Piazza S Francesco, 17
Pizzeria Da Felice, Via Buia, 12
Pizzeria Alice, Via S Paolino, 22
Pasticceria Tiffany, Via Gaetano Luporini, 1054
Ristorante Dhea, Via Gaetano Luporini, 144
Pasticceria Stella, Traversal Il Via Pisana, 50
Bontà Yogurt e Gelato, Viale G Puccini, 187
Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata dei Servi, Piazza dei Servi - good for concerts with excellent acoustics
Basilica di San Frediano, Piazza S Frediano - view both inside and outside
Piazza Anfiteatro
Guinigi Tower, Via S Andrea, 41
Piazza S Michele
Viareggio - drive on the small roads to the beach and for the annual carnival
Bolgheri - good food and wine
Pietrasanta - lovely town
Castello - cycle for a cappuccino
Tassignano Airport - flying lesson or skydiving
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Tutto andra bene/everything will be ok
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes. You could also hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button now so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a REVIEW.
Website: https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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My guest today is Saraya Motley. Saraya spent her early years in Rome, before returning to the States to complete her higher education. Now an independent Luxury Travel Agent, she works remotely from the commune of Capannori, in the hills of Lucca, which she has made her permanent home. I was struck how passionate Saraya is to ensure that her clients have the ultimate travel experience, so she is the ideal person to make recommendations for you to experience in and around Lucca.
Connect with this Episode’s supporter - Melting Pot Lucca, Language School
Website: www.meltingpotlucca.it
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: @meltingpotlucca
Facebook: meltingpotlucca
Exclusive 10% Discount Code for new bookings: quote LIFE10 (expires 31 July 2023)
Saraya’s Recommendations
Ristorante SurReale, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 37 Lucca
Osteria da Pasqualino Gubitosa, Via del Moro, 8 Lucca
Osteria Da Giomo, Via di Mezzo, 3 Valgiano Capannori
Osteria da mi pa’, Via della Chiesa di Gragnano, 65 Capannori
Osteria Candalla, Via di Candalla, 264 Camaiore
Ristorante Filippo, Via Padre Eugenio Barsanti, 45 Pietrasanta
Pasticceria Buccellato Taddeucci, Piazza San Michele, 34 Lucca
Pasticceria Dolcidea, Via dei Bocchi, 352 Capannori
Cremeria Opera: Sant’Anna; Sant’Alessio; Il Pinturicchio
Da Piero, Via Roma, 25 Lucca
Morning Bike Ride with Tour Guide
Shopping on Via Fillungo
Passeggiata with a gelato
Piazza San Frediano for an aperitivo
Hike around Candalla Waterfalls, Camaiore
Wine tasting tour
Villa Reale, Via Fraga Alta, 2 Marlia
Explore the Tuscan countryside
Siena, especially during the Palio
Forte dei Marmi, beach and market
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Non vedo l’ora - I can’t wait
Connect with Saraya
WhatsApp: +393664821577
Email [email protected]
Website: luxprimatravel.com
Instagram: @luxprimatravel
Facebook: luxprimatravel
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes. You could also hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button now so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a REVIEW.
Website:https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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My guest this week is Kari Marchen Anderson. I met Kari during one of my trips to Lucca in 2021. As happens in Lucca, chance meetings are the start of great friendships. Kari is from Copenhagen and speaks both Danish and English, fluently, and she is married to Bill, an American. They recently became ‘empty nesters’, and rather than downsize and remain in Copenhagen, they decided to relocate to Lucca, and in the process gained their residency, which proved to be a relatively smooth transition. Kari’s story is really informative, so I was delighted when she agreed to be interviewed for the podcast.
Kari's Recommendations
Gelateria Veneta, especially the seasonal flavours, Via V Veneto, 74
Pasticceria - haven’t come across a bad one
Ristorante La Mecenate, Via del Fosso, 94
Osteria da Pasqualino Gubitosa, Via del Moro, 8
Volto Santo (Holy Countenance), large scale crucifix, oldest wooden statue in the west, shows the true face of Christ. Inside the Duomo di San Martino, Piazza Antelminelli
Rent a bike, cycle the city to see all the Towers
Da Felice, for a slice of pizza, Via Buia, 12
Villa Mansi, renaissance furnishings, Via delle Selvette, 259
Domus Romana, Roman Museum, Via Cesare Battisti, 15
Anfiteatro, Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro
Caffe Santa Zita, for an aperitif and the mosaics of the Church, Piazza San Frediano 4
Hike along the Aqueduct of Nottolini to have sight of the source of the springs, Via Tempietto, 388
Botanical Gardens, Rampa San Regalo
Villa Pfanner, Via degli Asili, 33
Catch the train to the coastal town of Viareggio
Villa Reale, Via Fraga Alta 2
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Apericena - a snack that accompanies an early evening aperitif
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes. You could also hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button now so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a REVIEW.
Website:https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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My guest today is Andrea Paganelli, the name probably gives away that Andrea is a native Italian. Andrea and his family own their own private driving company, Tuscan Drivers. He has a fleet of vehicles that do tours, day trips and airport runs, and this is how I first met Andrea. He collected me at Pisa airport from my flight, late at night. I was on my own, and although I had previously visited Lucca, I had no idea where my apartment was. In that position, you need punctuality, reassurance and a friendly welcome and that is exactly what I got, in spades; needless to say, Andrea and his family have become firm friends of mine in Lucca. Not only does this episode explore the intricacies of driving and parking in Lucca, it also gives an insight into Italian family life. I interviewed Andrea back in July 2021 when the pandemic travel restrictions had been relaxed.
Andrea’s Recommendations
The Walls of Lucca - for relaxing, running, and family time
Explore the Villas of Lucca - inside and outside the Walls
Book a tour with Tuscan Drivers - see Connect with Andrea, below
Experience a winery or olive oil production and tasting
The Beach
The Garfagnana
Explore the many Tunnels under the Walls of Lucca
The Dolomite mountains - cooler than the beach in the summer, and good for skiing in the winter
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Babbo - Dad (typical to Tuscany)
Least favourite Italian word
Marca da bollo - revenue stamp
Connect with Andrea
Ph: +1 (404) 865 1733
W: tuscandrivers.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuscanDrivers
Instagram: https://instagram,com/tuscandrivers?igshid=YmMTA2M2Y=
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes. You could also hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button now so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a REVIEW.
Website:https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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My guest today is Sally Ramsey. Sally contacted me after listening to this podcast as she was planning to visit Lucca, and we arranged to meet up. I must say, that Lucca is the only place where I’ve experienced random strangers, with a love of the city, arranging to meet up and share experiences. Even though Sally is based in the USA, she and I have become really good friends. So, I was delighted when she agreed to be interviewed for this podcast when we were both in Lucca back in September 2021, as her experiences are so relevant to anyone who is hoping to visit, or increase the time they spend in Lucca, especially those of you travelling from afar. Significantly, you will hear how each time Sally visits Lucca, her friendship base grows and the length of her stay increases. Enjoy the show…
Sally’s Recommendations
Piazza San Michele, Piazza Napoleone, sit and people watch
Walk the walls
Enrol on one of the many courses, eg cookery classes
An evening at one of the many music events
Via Fillungo, the main shopping street
Anfiteatro, eating, drinking, shopping, people watching
Ristorante, Olio Su Tavola di Reaction, Via del Battistero, 38
Gelateria, Bottega del gelato, Via Santa Croce, 87
Pasticceria Dianda, Via Della Rosa, 9
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Magari - I hope so
Non vedo l’ora - I can’t wait
Connect with Sally
WhatsApp: +1 (615) 838 7704
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes. You could also hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button now so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a REVIEW.
Website:https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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My guests this week are Ilene and Gary Modica. In 2010 they left Phoenix, Arizona for a holiday in Italy, and this was not only the start of a love affair with Italy, but also the start of many amazing adventures. I interviewed Ilene and Gary in September 2021, and they revealed that they had travelled to 86 Italian towns and cities, before choosing Lucca as their ‘forever home’. They have documented their travels and adventures and are award winning bloggers, and co-authors of the books, Our Italian Journey, and When your Heart finds its Home. This is a really engaging, open and honest interview in which Ilene and Gary discuss the highs and lows of setting up home in a new country, along with their experience of seeking dual citizenship through Gary’s Italian ancestry.
Ilene & Gary’s Recommendations
Osteria da Pasqualino Gubitosa, Via del Moro, 8
Pizzeria Mara Meo, Piazza San Francesco, 17
Vinarkia della Pavona, Via Fillungo, 188
Momo Gelati, Via della Fratta, 11
The Walls - walk or cycle
Duomo San Martino, Piazza Antelminelli
Piazza Napoleone - The Carousel
Piazza Michele - try a piece of Buccellato at the cafe and cake shop Buccellato Taddeucci
Via Fillungo - walk to the Anfiteatro, Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro
The Guinigi Tower, take in the outside before climbing to the top, Via Sant’Andrea, 41
Palazzo Pfanner, Via degli Asili, 33
Puccini Museum, Corte San Lorenzo, 9
Just walk and ‘go and get lost’ in Lucca
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Allora - so/and/well/now (a filler word)
Connect with Ilene & Gary
Book: Our Italian Journey
Book: When your Heart finds its Home: The Journey Continues
Blog: https://ouritalianjourney.com
www.pinterest.com/imodica
www.instagram.com/italianjourney/
www.facebook.com/ouritalianjourney
www.twitter.com/IleneModica
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
I self-fund this podcast, so if you enjoy listening, I would be ever so grateful if you could visit the Ko-Fi supporter webpage ko-fi/lifeinlucca and DONATE the equivalent of a gelato or two, as this helps me to produce further episodes. You could also hit the SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button now so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a REVIEW.
Website:https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandrea
E-mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca
Twitter: @mountains46
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Life in Lucca with Andrea - Series 2 starts week beginning 23 January - Subscribe Now!
Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea!
Well, it feels really good to be saying that again.
I’m delighted that the Life in Lucca with Andrea podcast has burst through 2500 downloads, in fact it’s closing in on the magic 3000! I must say that I’ve been overwhelmed with your lovely comments and feedback. I’ve really enjoyed reading your emails, and meeting some of you here in Lucca. In fact, I was at the top of the Guinigi Tower last summer chatting away, and a lovely lady visiting from the States, recognised my voice from the podcast, and introduced herself to me, Laura, thank you, it was so lovely to meet you, you made my day!
Listener feedback has been really positive, and I have been taking note of your comments and queries. Many of you want practical advice, as you are looking to stay in Lucca for an extended period, some of you with a view to moving to Lucca on a permanent basis, some with families, some to retire. Others are visiting for a holiday but want to explore the ‘real’ Lucca and visit places off the tourist track, where they can live like a local and experience the authentic Lucca.
So, you’ll be delighted to know that I’ve interviewed some really special guests for Series 2, it’s an absolute joy listening back to the interviews during the editing process.
As you know, I self fund this podcast, and for Series 1, I paid a company to undertake the editing and distribution process. I can’t continue doing this so for Series 2 I’m undertaking the editing and distribution process myself. So, to accommodate this, I’ve recently changed podcast providers, I’ve moved from Podbean to Acast but that shouldn’t have any effect on the way that you receive the episodes. So, if you enjoy the podcast, you can help by donating the equivalent of a gelato or two, you can do this by going to the ko-fi website where you can link to my page which is ko-fi/lifeinlucca
So, following a longer than anticipated break, I’m excited to share with you that the first episode of Series 2 will be released… drum roll… week beginning the 23 January, so do listen out for it.
In the meantime, you can listen to, or re-visit Series 1 of Life in Lucca with Andrea, and whilst you’re there, why not hit the subscribe or follow button on your usual podcast app so that each new episode will appear, as if by magic, in your podcast library. And, if you’ve a little time to spare, please do leave a review.
You can also follow me on Instagram at andreas_life_in_lucca and during the months that I’m in Lucca, I post photos of my adventures and the people I meet for you to enjoy.
Thanks so much for listening and your continued support. I hope to see you soon in Lucca, do e-mail me at [email protected] and we can perhaps meet up for a coffee chat or a walk on the walls.
A presto!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea
This week I chat to my very special friend, Debbie Charlett, who I actually met here, in Lucca. Debbie is a yoga teacher, and not only has she travelled extensively around Tuscany, amassing a wealth of experience, she also fell in love with Lucca along the way. She has had many an adventure and it’s been great fun sharing some of those adventures with her. In fact, Debbie recently realised her dream and bought an apartment in the historic centre of Lucca. So, whether you’re planning to visit Lucca, or thinking of buying your own apartment, this episode has lots to offer, not just practical advice, but also fun experiences.
Connect with Debbie
If you would like further information, or to enrol on Debbie’s Viniyoga sessions, her contact details are:
M: +44 (0) 7976552481
Debbie’s Recommendations
The Walls, Lucca, walk
Anfiteatro, Lucca, drink or meal
Torre Guinigi, Via Sant’Andrea, 41 Lucca, view
Palazzo Pfanner, Via degli Asili, 33 Lucca, gardens
Villa Reale di Marlia, Villa Reale di Marlia, Via Fraga Alta, 2, Marlia, house and gardens
Boccherini Music School, Piazza del Suffragio, 6 Lucca, an evening concert
Ristorante Il Mecenate, Via del Fosso, 94 Lucca
Pasticceria Meucci, Via Vittorio Veneto, 12 Lucca
Pasticceria Regina, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 7 (outside the walls, Porta San Elisa)
Gelateria Veneta, Via Vittorio Veneto, 74
Gelateria and Chocolatier, Caniparoli, Via San Paolino, 44
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Incredibile – Incredible (the Italian pronunciation emphasises the word, making it more powerful)
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Support
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support this podcast by buying the equivalent of a coffee or two, if you can, at: ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca your donations really do help.
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
Sponsor
If you are looking to sponsor the show, please get in touch at: [email protected]
Connect with me:
If you would like to connect with me, I would be delighted to hear from you, you can find me on:
Website: https://lifeinlucca.podbean.com/ E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46
Production: Joel at Northern Powerhouse Media www.npmedia.co.uk
Boccherini Music School
Lucca Train Station
Palazzo Pfanner Garden at night
Pasticceria Regina
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea
In this episode, I meet the Texan born, Vanessa Peters, for the very first time! Discover how, on a study abroad programme in Tuscany back in 2000, Vanessa stumbled by chance, on the then unremarkable City of Lucca, in a guide book, it grabbed her curiosity, and she felt drawn to visit.
Vanessa is a musician, very fitting then that she found, and then chose Lucca, which is renowned for its culture of music, as her base. In fact, the video for her single Crazymaker, taken from the album Modern Age, which came out in February, was filmed in Lucca in December 2020.
Connect with Vanessa
www.vanessapeters.com
Vanessa’s Recommendations
The Walls, Lucca
Torre Guinigi, Via Sant’Andrea, 41
Torre Delle Ore, Via Arancio, 1
San Frediano Basilica, Piazza San Frediano
Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata, Piazza San Giovanni
Gelateria: La Bottega, Via Santa Croce, 87
Gelateria De’Coltelli, Via San Paolino, 10
Pasticceria: Meucci, Via Vittorio Veneto, 12
Pasticceria: Regina, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 7 (outside the walls, Porta San Elisa)
Pasticceria/Bar: Tiffany, Via Gaetano Luporini, 1054 (outside the walls, Porta Sant’Anna)
Ristorante: Osteria Baralla, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 9
Ristorante: Osteria Dal Manzo, Via Cesare Battisti, 28
Favourite Italian Word/Phrase
Insomma, in short/to sum things up (a gap word)
Ormai, by now/at this point (something has changed so we’ll do it later/reschedule
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Support
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support this podcast by buying the equivalent of a coffee or two, if you can, at: ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca your donations really do help.
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
Sponsor
If you are looking to sponsor the show, please get in touch at: [email protected]
Connect with me:
If you would like to connect with me, I would be delighted to hear from you, you can find me on:
Website: https://lifeinlucca.podbean.com/ E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46
Production: Joel at Northern Powerhouse Media www.npmedia.co.uk
Artwork: Massive thanks to Helen Wood
Lucca’s Water Fountains
Meucci la Pasticceria
Vanessa the Musician
Gelateria La Bottega
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea!
My guest this week is Debora Del Sonno, a one hundred per cent true Lucchese, she not only lives in Lucca, but she was born here too. Debora is a private real estate agent and takes great pride in finding each client the perfect property, whether it be a permanent residence, or a short or long-term rental. In fact, she was the first person to offer holiday rentals in the historic centre more than 20 years ago. Debora exudes great warmth and she is on a mission to share her passion for her city of birth, with guests and visitors alike. What a treat!
Connect with Debora
www.luccaholidayhomes.it
www.deboradelsonno.it
F: www.facebook.com/luccahike
F: www.facebook.com/deboradelsonno
L: www.linkedin.com/in/deboradelsonno
Debora’s Recommendations
The Walls, Lucca
The Guinigi Tower
Camaiore, a city within the province of Lucca
Barga, a medieval town within the province of Lucca
Montecarlo, a village in the province of Lucca
Pietrasanta, a medieval town known for its artistic tradition, in the province of Lucca
Ristorante Il Giglio, Piazza Il Giglio, 2 Lucca
Trattoria Buca di Sant’Antonio, Via della Cervia, 3 Lucca
Ristorante Gli Orti, Via Elisa, 17 Lucca
Pasticceria Sandra & L’Angolo Dolce, Via Borgo Giannotti, 391, Lucca
Gelateria Cremeria Opera, Via Borgo Giannotti, 42, Lucca
Gelateria Veneta, Via Vittorio Veneto, 74
Gelateria De’Coltelli, Via San Paolino, 10
Gelateria and Chocolatier, Caniparoli, Via San Paolino, 44
Gelateria Theobroma Capolavori di Dolcezza, Via Guglielmo Marconi, 16/18 Barga
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Ti voglio bene – more than I like you but less than I love you/a positive affirmation, similar to Namaste/a spoken hug
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Support
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support this podcast by buying the equivalent of a coffee or two, if you can, at: ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca your donations really do help.
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
Sponsor
If you are looking to sponsor the show, please get in touch at: [email protected]
Connect with me:
If you would like to connect with me, I would be delighted to hear from you, you can find me on:
Website: https://lifeinlucca.podbean.com/ E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46
Production: Joel at Northern Powerhouse Media www.npmedia.co.uk
Artwork: Massive thanks to Helen Wood
Pasticceria Sandra
Pietrasanta
Ristorante Gli Orti
Ristorante Il Giglio
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea!
This week I interview Debra Kolkka. From Australia to Bagni di Lucca, her travels and experiences around Italy have led her to create two extremely successful blogs, Bella Bagni di Lucca and Bagni di Lucca and Beyond, both blogs are read and admired around the globe. Debra is a fountain of knowledge, the eyes for those unable to visit, and also those who want a taste of the Italian lifestyle from their armchairs.
Connect with Debra - Blogs
Bella Bagni di Lucca - https://bellabagnidilucca.com
Bagni di Lucca and Beyond – https://bagnidilucca.blog
Debra’s Recommendations
The Walls, Lucca
Anfiteatro, Lucca
Guinigi Tower, Lucca at sunset
Bistrot Paris Boheme, Piazza Cittadella, 6 Lucca
Eremo di Calomino, 5 Fabbriche di Vergemoli, Lucca. A Hermitage set in the cliff face with a restaurant
Ristorante Circolo dei Forestieri, Piazza Jean Varraud, 10 Bagni di Lucca
Ristorante del Sonno, Viale Umberto 1, 146/148 Bagni di Lucca
Pasticceria, Café and Bar, Bar Italia, Piazza Ponte a Serraglio, 8 Bagni di Lucca
Pasticceria and Café, Catene Café, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 13, Fornoli, Bagni di Lucca
Gelateria, Fuori del Centro, Via del Brennero, 9 Chifenti near Bagni di Lucca
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Siamo in Italia – We are in Italy (so what do you expect!)
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Sponsor
If you are looking to sponsor the show, please get in touch at: [email protected]
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support me by buying me a coffee, if you can, at;
ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca it really does help!
Connect with me:
If you would like to connect with me, I would be delighted to hear from you, you can find me on:
Website: https://lifeinlucca.podbean.com/ E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46
Production: Joel at Northern Powerhouse Media www.npmedia.co.uk
Artwork: Massive thanks to Helen Wood
Anfiteatro Lucca
Bar Italia, Ponte a Serraglio, Bagni di Lucca
Lucca Walls
Ponte Catene - Chain Bridge, Fornoli, Bagni di Lucca
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode I meet the infectiously enthusiastic, Paola Moschini. When I asked Paola to send me some background information before the interview, this is what she wrote:
These are five things you should know before hiring me as your tour guide: I love coffee, pizza and gelato, I would never say no to a stop in a bar or in an ice cream place, so in the meantime I can tell you why Saint Michael’s church has dragons, mermaids and more on its façade; I can speak fluently in Italian and English; I like to start my day running on Lucca city walls or with a good balancing yoga session, maybe we can do a running tour together?; When I have some free time, you can find me in a bookstore; People say I always smile, my goal is to see you smiling and laughing during the whole tour.
I couldn’t have summed Paola up any better myself. I have known Paola for around 8 years, she is one of the loveliest people I know, and what she doesn’t know about Lucca, you could write on the back of a postage stamp!
Connect with Paola
W: www.paolamoschini.com
Instagram: @pmoschini
Facebook: @paolamoschinilucca
Paola’s Recommendations:
The Walls
Ristorante Il Giglio, Piazza del Giglio, 2
Pizzeria Mare Meo, Piazza San Francesco, 17
Osteria del Manzo, Via Cesare Battista, 28
Pasticceria Pinelli, Via Beccheria, 28
Buccellato Taddeucci, Piazza San Michele, 34
Pasticceria Dianda, Via del Rosa, 9
Gelateria Veneta, Via Vittorio Veneto, 74
Gelateria Cremeria Opera, Via Borgo Giannotti, 42
De’ Coltelli, Via San Paolino, 10
Villa Reale di Marlia, Via Fraga Alta, 2, Marlia, by bike or car
Viareggio, seaside, by train 20 minutes or by car 30 minutes
The Garfagnana, situated in the province of Lucca. The principal towns are Castelnuovo and Barga. Some parts of the Garfagnana can be reached by train, but a car is recommended to take in its beauty.
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Prego – You're welcome/never mind/here you are/sure/of course
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support me by buying me a coffee, if you can, at;
ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca it really does help!
Connect with me:
If you would like to connect with me, I would be delighted to hear from you, you can find me on:
Website: https://lifeinlucca.podbean.com/ E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46
Production: Joel at Northern Powerhouse Media www.npmedia.co.uk
Artwork: Massive thanks to Helen Wood
Buccellato Taddeucci
Osteria del Manzo
Paola the Tour Guide
Mura di Lucca Parkrun
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ciao, and welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea!
In this episode I meet the lovely Jo O’Rourke, whom I’d met just twice before the interview. I felt an immediate connection with Jo when I met her at English Mondays in Lucca, and was delighted when she agreed to be interviewed for this podcast, and share her Italian adventures. Jo has a rich experience of living, working, and travelling around Italy. At the time of recording, Jo had lived in Lucca for just 4 months. Jo is an online English and comms trainer.
Jo’s Recommendations:
Ice cream and sorbet: Caniparoli, Via San Paolino, 44
Pizza: Itaco, Via San Paolino, 58
Food and/or drink, with outside seating: Pult, Via Fillungo, 42
Things to see and do: Lucca Walls and the Botanic Gardens
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Fa ridere i polli – it makes the chickens laugh (when something is ridiculous)
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support me by buying me a coffee, if you can, at ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca it really does help!
Connect with me:
If you would like to connect with me, I would be delighted to hear from you, you can find me on:
E:mail: [email protected] Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46 Website: https://lifeinlucca.podbean.com/
Production: Joel at Northern Powerhouse Media www.npmedia.co.uk
Artwork: Massive thanks to Helen Wood
Pult cafe/bar
Guinigi Tower
Caniparoli Gelateria and Chocolate shop
Pizzeria Itaco
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Join me as I explore what it's like to visit and live in Lucca. In a series of fascinating interviews, my guests reveal the real Lucca, and the hidden gems that they have discovered.
Connect with me:
If you would like to connect with me, I would be delighted to hear from you, you can find me on:
Website: https://lifeinlucca.podbean.com/ E:mail: [email protected]
Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46
Production: Joel at Northern Powerhouse Media www.npmedia.co.uk
Artwork: Massive thanks to Helen Wood
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ever thought about travelling to Italy and not sure where to go? Well, this podcast has the answer - Lucca! Excellently positioned, its neighbours include Florence, Pisa and the coastal resort of Viareggio. My guests will intrigue and delight you with their experiences of travelling to, and living in Lucca. Subscribe to Life in Lucca with Andrea now and each episode will magically appear in your podcast library.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
