Life in Lucca with Andrea

Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea…My guest today is Dana Roberts. Dana is a qualified Bio Medical Engineer, one of only a handful of female test engineers who has worked on the Stealth Bomber… so Top Gun on Steroids… and she lives in Lucca! At the time of recording, which was September 2023, we had only known each other a few months, now, she is one of my very special friends in Lucca, and a huge inspiration to me…Dana's RecommendationsTrattoria Gigi… Piazza del Carmine, 7Osteria La Dritta…Piazza S.Francesco, 33Pasticceria Momus… Piazza Santa Maria, 23Gelateria Momo… Via della Fratta, 11Book a Tour Guide… to see the highlights of Centro Storico, Lucca (see S1 Ep2 with Tour Guide Paola Moschini)The Walls… walk or cycle… and explore the tunnels under the WallsVisit Lucca’s 5 Towers: Guinigi; Delle Ore; San Martino; San Frediano; San GiovanniNottolini Viaduct… Via Tempietto, 388Hike the hills around LuccaCollodi… known for its link to Carlo Lorenzini, who used the pen name Carlo Collodi and wrote The Adventures of PinocchioCarrara Marble Quarry… a UNESCO heritage site and where Michaelanglo extracted the marble for his statue of DavidFavourite Italian Word/PhraseAllora… Well/now… a filler wordIn bocca al lupo… good luck … respond with… crepe… to seal the luck!DonateI 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/lifeinlucawithandreaE:mail: lifeinlucca@hotmail.com Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46 Ko-fi: ko-fi/lifeinluccaGrapevine MagazineDiscount Code: GVLIFE10Website: www.luccagrapevine.comClick Subscriptions > Grapevine on-line… complete the online formOur Italian JourneyWebsite: https://ouritalianjourney.comAudio book:  https://www.amazon.com/Our-Italian-Journey-Living-Adventure/dp/B0CNHY4MHQ/

Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea…My guest today is Steve Hayward. I first met Steve when I did my first ever Parkrun on the walls of Lucca and we’ve been friends ever since. Steve is a retired Merchant Navy Captain, after spending 50 years at sea. As you would expect, Steve is well travelled, having spent many years living and working in a variety of ports, including Italy and China. Originally from Middlesex, in the UK, he has settled with his Italian wife in the wider Province of Lucca, in Piano di Conca, which, not surprisingly is closer to the sea. Enjoy the show…Grapevine MagazineDiscount Code: GVLIFE10Website: www.luccagrapevine.comClick Subscriptions > Grapevine on-line… complete the online formOur Italian JourneyWebsite: https://ouritalianjourney.comAudio book:  https://www.amazon.com/Our-Italian-Journey-Living-Adventure/dp/B0CNHY4MHQ/Steve’s RecommendationsMura di Lucca Parkrun… join on Facebook… register at https://www.parkrun.it/register/La Casina, Via Marco Polo, 4 it’s away from the passeggiatta and popular with locals - mainly fish restaurantArginvecchio, Via Arginvecchio Nord, 932 in Capezzano Pianore - mainly meat restaurantIl Centro Storico, Via Cesare Battisti, Camaiore - recently reopened and more of a trattoriaPasticceria Gherardi, Via Montramito, 23 (at the the roundabout for Lucca, Piano di Conca and Viareggio) Pasticceria Puccinelli, Via Fratelli Cervi, 6 Viareggio based but also branches on Via Montramito and Piano di MommioAbbey of San Galgano, around 25 miles from Sienna, is a ruined Abbey (unfortunately by an Englishman). In the adjoining chapel (Rotondo) is where there is a sword embedded in the stoneI 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/lifeinlucawithandreaE:mail: lifeinlucca@hotmail.com Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46 Ko-fi: ko-fi/lifeinlucca

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 MagazineDiscount Code: GVLIFE10Website: www.luccagrapevine.comClick Subscriptions > Grapevine on-line… complete the online formOur Italian JourneyWebsite: https://ouritalianjourney.comAudio book:  https://www.amazon.com/Our-Italian-Journey-Living-Adventure/dp/B0CNHY4MHQ/Connect with Theresa and/or La Grande WeddingsM: +1 925 435 6702E: info@lagrandeweddings.comW: https://www.lagrandeweddings.comI: theresa.braggI: lagrandeweddingsFB: Theresa Fiore BraggFB: La Grande Wedding & Event CenterTheresa’s RecommendationsRistorante Lucca in Tavola; Via S. Paolino, 130Osteria Da Pasquale; Via del Moro, 8Caffè Puccini; Via Fillungo, 218Gelateria Momo; Via della Fratta, 233 main churches: San Frediano; San Michele; Duomo di San MartinoThe Anfiteatro… cafes, bars and shopsThe Tunnels… explore the tunnels of the WallsOpera… so many musical events all year roundOutside the WallsAndrea Bocelli… book tickets at the Teatro del Silenzio, LajaticoVisit the city of FlorenceVisit the town of San GimignanoExplore the coastal villages of the Cinque TerraBook a tour of one of the many WineriesFavourite Italian Word/PhraseVa bene… ok/all rightAllora… 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/lifeinlucawithandreaE:mail: lifeinlucca@hotmail.com Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46 Ko-fi: ko-fi/lifeinlucca

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 lifeinlucca@hotmail.com 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: lifeinlucca@hotmail.comWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/lifeinlucawithandreaInstagram: andreas_life_in_luccaTwitter: @mountains46

Episode NotesGrapevine MagazineDiscount Code (10% off annual subscription): GVLIFE10Website: www.luccagrapevine.comClick Subscriptions > Grapevine on-line… complete the online form Our Italian JourneyWebsite: https://ouritalianjourney.comAudible book: Our Italian Journey (to be released on Amazon Audible mid November 2023)Connect with Giulia at Melting Pot LuccaWebsite: www.meltingpotlucca.itEmail: info@meltingpotlucca.itPhone: +39 388 9318676Address: Via San Marco, 21 Lucca 55100 (5 minutes outside the walls just off Borgo Giannotti)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meltingpotluccaInstagram: @meltingpotluccaGiulia’s Recommendations - Food and drinkTrattoria Da Giulio in Pelleria, Via delle Conce, 45 Lucca Cucina dello Scompiglio, (Guamo) Via di Vorno, 67/B 55012 CapannoriBar Osteria Lo Stellario, Piazza San Francesco, 46 Lucca… for an aperitivoLa Bontà (Gelateria) Via Castruccio Castracani, 269, Lucca (5 minutes outside Porta Elisa)… especially the yogurtGiulia’s Recommendations - Things to see and doWalk the Walls of LuccaClimb 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 routeFavourite Italian word/phraseMagari… I wish/I hope soVabbè… whatever (short form of ‘va bene’ (alright/ok) accompanied by a ‘shrug’ of the shoulders!About the HostAndrea 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, DonateI 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/lifeinlucawithandreaE:mail: lifeinlucca@hotmail.com Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46 Ko-fi: ko-fi/lifeinlucca

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 SchoolWebsite: www.meltingpotlucca.itE-mail: info@meltingpotlucca.itInstagram: @meltingpotluccaFacebook: meltingpotluccaExclusive 10% Discount Code LIFE10 (expires 31 July 2023)Norma Jean’s RecommendationsThe Walls, Lucca, inside view of the historical centre, and view out over the Provence of LuccaPiazza Giglio; Piazza Michele, the Anfiteatro etc, sit and people watchTake the train to the mountains or the coast… The Garfagnana… Castelnuovo; San Romano; Eremo di CalominiPescaglia, hilltop villageTrebbio, Carlo Galgani, the BlacksmithCarraia, the smallest Opera HouseColognora, Chestnut museumTrattoria da Nonna Clara, Via Santa Croce, 71 LuccaRistorante Buca di Sant’ Antonio, Via della Cervia, 3 LuccaPasticceria Dianda, Via Della Rosa, 9 LuccaGelateria and Chocolatier, Caniparoli, Via San Paolino, 44Favourite Italian word/phraseDunque - well (filler word for a natural pause)Allora - also/well (filler word for a natural pause)About the HostAndrea 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, DonateI 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/lifeinlucawithandreaE:mail: lifeinlucca@hotmail.com Instagram: andreas_life_in_lucca Twitter: @mountains46 Ko-fi: ko-fi/lifeinlucca