Category Archives: Lucca

My thoughts on Italian language school

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

My personal feedback on Italian language schools, after studying in Siena, Firenze (Florence), Lucca and Verona: They are fun! I have been at four schools and they were all fairly similar in terms of having a set amount of time … Continue reading →

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Donnybrook not so fair

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

Yesterday my mother and I walked to Donnybrook which is the next village over and has quite a nice upscale supermarket.  She also needed to get a new prescription from her doctor for eyedrops she needs to take prior to … Continue reading →

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Céad míle fáilte!!!

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

A hundred thousand welcomes!  I am in Dublin! I arrived last night at about 9:00 pm to about 50 degrees and winds of about 40mph!   I am definitely not in Kansas (i.e. Italy) anymore although the winds could certainly … Continue reading →

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Arrivederci Puccini!

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

Tonight is my last night in Lucca so I went to another of the aria performances held at San Giovanni. I mentioned in a prior post that the town is being dressed up for the reopening of the Puccini Museum … Continue reading →

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Montecatini Alto

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

Montecatini Alto is a tiny little town perched on top of a hill next to Montecatini Terme. It is reachable by a little funicular (€7, roundtrip) and I headed there for lunch today. A lovely plate of freshly made ravioli and … Continue reading →

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Montecatini Terme

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

Montecatini Terme is a spa and wellness town located about 1 hour (and €6.50 roundtrip on the bus) from Lucca. Back in the 1500’s, baths were built but they were later destroyed in the many battles that occurred throughout Tuscany’s history … Continue reading →

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The Yanks have arrived!

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

The Americans have finally arrived to save Lucca!  They rolled in today in jeeps and on motorcycles! It seems they are here to celebrate a September 15th WWII liberation date. It was quite a strange vision to see these vintage … Continue reading →

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Le mura di Lucca (the walls)

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

The fortified walls that encircle Lucca were built in 1504-1645 but were never used for defensive purposes and were demilitarized during the Napoleon era and since then act as a public walkway. The walls are continuous and in remarkable shape! … Continue reading →

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Torre del Lago Puccini

Posted on September 3, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

Regrettably, Ann had to leave Lucca today at about 12:30.  However, while I was at the bus station with her I told her that there was apparently a bus to the town where Puccini’s adult home is at Torre del … Continue reading →

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Views from above

Posted on September 3, 2011 by Sophia la Vespa

Some shots from the towers of Lucca.  Yes, there is a rooftop garden of holm-oaks on the top of one of the towers!

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