Category Archives: History

While we’re on the subject of cheese….

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Melonie

  The song says “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go”…well, in the hills above Lucca in the Garfagnana it would say…”Over the river and UP through the woods, and up and up and up…to … Continue reading →

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Pope’s Retreat…

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Melonie

About an hour train ride from Rome is the ancient walled city of Viterbo. On the way we saw the three volcanic crater lakes and the main crops of hazel nuts and olive trees growing. The city is known today … Continue reading →

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Napoli starts off with an “Ahhhhh”…

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Melonie

After a 10 hr plane ride, 2 hour train ride, 30 minute walk, my group from Tennessee arrived at our Naples Hotel….and all I could say was..”Ahhhh…Ohhhhh…Ooooo”. Weekend a Napoli, known as WAN, which you can view at www.weekendanapoli.com was a private, … Continue reading →

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Christmas in April

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Melonie

I’m back from my Mission Trip in Italy and had an amazing week discovering Southern and Central Italy. Naples-a small city of about 4 million! is not really as I had expected. It has always been explained to me as … Continue reading →

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What’s in a Name?

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Melonie

In exactly one week I leave for Naples and Rome…yet all my papework says Napoli and Roma…why don’t we just say Napoli and Roma? Why must things change across the ocean? When my hubby’s family came over from Central Italy … Continue reading →

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Horse tricks and turkey legs…

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Melonie

I’ll say it again and again….google “Festivals in Tuscany” or wherever else you are traveling in Italy and plan your trip accordingly. The festivals (food, flowers, men in tights) really put you in the vacation mood and throw you back … Continue reading →

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Wine Snob?

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Melonie

It’s no secret…the one thing I will never understand or be able to comprehend is the massive undertaking of wine…whether it is here in Tennessee or in Italy. I will never be accused of being a “wine snob”..I even get … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, History, Hotels, Italy, Lucca, Things to do, Travel Tips, Tuscany, Uncategorized, Wine | Leave a comment

It’s a Park …not Disney World

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Melonie

I feel compelled to share with you the sweet, relaxing and informative “Pinocchio Park” in Collidi-across the mountain about a half hour from our place…if you take the winding road over through Bennabio (brave it if you dare…) I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Bagni Di Lucca, Family, Florence, History, Italy, Lucca, Things to do, Travel Tips, Tuscany, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Our little hamlet…

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Melonie

Named after a late Roman settler “Carsius”, the hamlet of Crasciana boasts just over 100 town folks…many more homes so most are vacationers like us or “townies” who come to cool off in the summer months. Our flat is actually … Continue reading →

Posted in Bagni Di Lucca, Family, History, Italy, Lucca, Real Estate, Things to do, Travel Tips, Tuscany, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Romans gathered here…

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Melonie

In the center of an old Roman grid, in the center of town, Lucca’s famous San Michele stands to welcome it’s visitors. Located on the site of an ancient Roman forum, San Michele has the “wow” value when you come around … Continue reading →

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