Life in Lucca with Andrea

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

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 RecommendationsRistorante Lucca in Tavola, Via S Paolino, 130 Ristorante Cicci, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 89/95Trattoria da Ubaldo, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 67Ristorante SurReale, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 37Cibus & Pizza, Via Elisa, 53Ristorante Pizzeria Piccolo Mondo, Piazza dei Cocomeri, 5Ristorante Giglio, Piazza del Giglio, 2Trattoria Gigi, Piazza del Carmine, 7Ristorante all’Olivo, Via Arancio, 38Pizzeria Mara Meo, Piazza S Francesco, 17Pizzeria Da Felice, Via Buia, 12Pizzeria Alice, Via S Paolino, 22Pasticceria Tiffany, Via Gaetano Luporini, 1054Ristorante Dhea, Via Gaetano Luporini, 144Pasticceria Stella, Traversal Il Via Pisana, 50Bontà Yogurt e Gelato, Viale G Puccini, 187Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata dei Servi, Piazza dei Servi - good for concerts with excellent acousticsBasilica di San Frediano, Piazza S Frediano - view both inside and outsidePiazza AnfiteatroGuinigi Tower, Via S Andrea, 41Piazza S MicheleViareggio - drive on the small roads to the beach and for the annual carnivalBolgheri - good food and winePietrasanta - lovely townCastello - cycle for a cappuccinoTassignano Airport - flying lesson or skydivingFavourite Italian word/phraseTutto andra bene/everything will be okAbout 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.comInstagram: andreas_life_in_luccaTwitter: @mountains46

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 SchoolWebsite: www.meltingpotlucca.itE-mail: info@meltingpotlucca.itInstagram: @meltingpotluccaFacebook: meltingpotluccaExclusive 10% Discount Code for new bookings: quote LIFE10 (expires 31 July 2023)Saraya’s RecommendationsRistorante SurReale, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 37 LuccaOsteria da Pasqualino Gubitosa, Via del Moro, 8 LuccaOsteria Da Giomo, Via di Mezzo, 3 Valgiano CapannoriOsteria da mi pa’, Via della Chiesa di Gragnano, 65 Capannori Osteria Candalla, Via di Candalla, 264 CamaioreRistorante Filippo, Via Padre Eugenio Barsanti, 45 PietrasantaPasticceria Buccellato Taddeucci, Piazza San Michele, 34 LuccaPasticceria Dolcidea, Via dei Bocchi, 352 CapannoriCremeria Opera: Sant’Anna; Sant’Alessio; Il PinturicchioDa Piero, Via Roma, 25 LuccaMorning Bike Ride with Tour GuideShopping on Via FillungoPasseggiata with a gelato Piazza San Frediano for an aperitivoHike around Candalla Waterfalls, CamaioreWine tasting tourVilla Reale, Via Fraga Alta, 2 Marlia Explore the Tuscan countrysideSiena, especially during the PalioForte dei Marmi, beach and marketFavourite Italian word/phraseNon vedo l’ora - I can’t waitConnect with SarayaWhatsApp: +393664821577 Email saraya@luxprimatravel.comWebsite: luxprimatravel.comInstagram: @luxprimatravelFacebook: luxprimatravelAbout 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.comInstagram: andreas_life_in_luccaTwitter: @mountains46

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 RecommendationsGelateria Veneta, especially the seasonal flavours, Via V Veneto, 74Pasticceria - haven’t come across a bad oneRistorante La Mecenate, Via del Fosso, 94Osteria da Pasqualino Gubitosa, Via del Moro, 8Volto 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 AntelminelliRent a bike, cycle the city to see all the TowersDa Felice, for a slice of pizza, Via Buia, 12Villa Mansi, renaissance furnishings, Via delle Selvette, 259Domus Romana, Roman Museum, Via Cesare Battisti, 15Anfiteatro, Piazza dell’ AnfiteatroCaffe Santa Zita, for an aperitif and the mosaics of the Church, Piazza San Frediano 4Hike along the Aqueduct of Nottolini to have sight of the source of the springs, Via Tempietto, 388Botanical Gardens, Rampa San RegaloVilla Pfanner, Via degli Asili, 33Catch the train to the coastal town of ViareggioVilla Reale, Via Fraga Alta 2Favourite Italian word/phraseApericena - a snack that accompanies an early evening aperitifAbout 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.comInstagram: andreas_life_in_luccaTwitter: @mountains46

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 RecommendationsThe Walls of Lucca - for relaxing, running, and family timeExplore the Villas of Lucca - inside and outside the WallsBook a tour with Tuscan Drivers - see Connect with Andrea, belowExperience a winery or olive oil production and tastingThe Beach The GarfagnanaExplore the many Tunnels under the Walls of LuccaThe Dolomite mountains - cooler than the beach in the summer, and good for skiing in the winterFavourite Italian word/phraseBabbo - Dad (typical to Tuscany)Least favourite Italian wordMarca da bollo - revenue stampConnect with AndreaPh: +1 (404) 865 1733E: info@tuscandrivers.comW: tuscandrivers.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuscanDriversInstagram: https://instagram,com/tuscandrivers?igshid=YmMTA2M2Y=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.comInstagram: andreas_life_in_luccaTwitter: @mountains46