Category Archives: Tuscany

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

To Market To Market …

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Melonie

Ok..I’ll admit it…I dream of one day learning how to cook. Italy’s market places  have inspired me to learn. I love going to the open markets on any given day.  Every village has there assigned market day. In Bagni it … Continue reading →

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Say “Cheese”!

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Melonie

I am so lucky to have a kid who will eat anything. She will try anything and always has been adventuresome in the food arena. But there is one thing she LOVES like most kids…cheese. However, I’m not talking about … Continue reading →

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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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I got gas…

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Melonie

By accident…I somehow received “gas” water in Italy. ..after wrinkling my nose, the kind waitress said..”you like no gas?”..I said, “umm…yes, no gas please”. Just so no one has to suffer this painful gassy experience let’s talk about drinks in Italy. … Continue reading →

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A stop in Chianti…

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Melonie

Just a short 3.5 km from the famous SR222 is the wondrous winery called Tenuta di Riseccoli. We literally just “came upon it” trying to make our way back to Greve and stopped to visit. It was early, we were … Continue reading →

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“Off the boat from Italy…”

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Melonie

After being married to Italian’s from New York I have often used the phrase “off the boat” to mean…authentic, original, Mamma Mia, etc, After our interest in Italy grew so did my hubby’s interest in his past. His Mother and … Continue reading →

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Now that is just …weird.

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Melonie

We have done a lot of crazy, fun, interesting, educational, yummy and amazing things with my tour guide, turned friend Heather Jarmin with Sapori e Saperi Tours. But one day last summer was just….weird. We started with an amazing cup of … Continue reading →

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Along the S222…The Chianti Way….

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Melonie

As a Realtor, a “For Sale” sign always makes my head turn. In Italy, “Vendita” is the word for “sale” and as you travel along the S222 winding road in Chianti you will see these signs. I have often wanted … Continue reading →

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