Life in Lucca with Andrea

Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea…My guest today is Nicole Cloutier. I first met Nicole at the Friends of the English Book Shop, Book Club meeting which is held each month at the International Cooking School in Centro Storico, one of Lucca’s many Clubs and Societies.Nicole is originally from New York, very career focused, having established a freelance digital marketing consultancy for small businesses… and the mother of two adorable small children… so how did she end up in Lucca?Well, Nicole actually met her partner, Guido, in Brooklyn and their relationship blossomed. After they had their second child they decided to uproot their family and move to Guido’s native country, Italy. A deciding factor in choosing Lucca was the excellent Bilingual schools. In this episode, Nicole discusses her experience of moving from the States to Italy, and the array of opportunities for her children, not least as they are now more fluent in Italian than their Mama!If you are thinking of moving to Lucca, or spending an extended period in Lucca with a young family, this episode is especially insightful… Connect with NicoleWebsite: www.nicolecloutierdigital.comE:mail: nicole@nicolecloutierdigital.comNicole’s RecommendationsTrattoria Gigi… Piazza del Carmine, 7Da Ciacco… Piazza Napoleone,10Da Umberto… Piazza Napoleone, 24Pasticceria Meucci… Via Vittorio Veneto, 12Osteria del Bastian Contrario… Via San Paolino, 90Osteria Da Rosolo… Corte Campana, 3Gelateria Veneta… Via Vittorio Veneto, 74Walk or cycle the WallsClimb the Guinigi TowerBasilica di San FredianoCycle around Centro Storico and exploreMaria Pacini Fazzi Editore… Local history book shop and publisher… Via Sant'Andrea, 12Etta’s English book shop… Chiasso Barletti, 16Watch a film at Astra Cinema… Piazza del Giglio, 7Dinner at Buca di San Antonio… Via della Cervia, 3Favourite Italian Word/PhraseBene… buono… bello/a… goodMosto fiato…. BreathtakingFazzoletto… tissue/handkerchiefArcobeleno… rainbowAbout 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

Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea…My guest today is Diana Stidl. Diana is of German origin and lived in the States for many years before making Lucca her permanent home. Listeners to this podcast will know that there is always something happening in Lucca, and you can guarantee, if it’s worth attending, Diana will be there, and, as a consequence, you are always guaranteed an interesting conversation when you are in her company. So, I was delighted when Diana agreed to be interviewed… Diana’s RecommendationsTrattoria Gigi… Piazzo del Carmine, 7Nonna Clara… Via Santa Croce, 71H&G Lounge… Via San Giorgio, 36Restaurant Mecanate… Via del Fosso, 94Gelateria Momo… Via della Fratta, 11Gelateria Piero… Via Roma, 25Pasticceria Stella… Traversa II Via Pisana, 50 Sant’AnnaPasticceria Tiffany... Via Gaetano Luporini, 1054Bar Fuori Controllo… Via Santa Croce, 94Inside the WallsWalk the WallsAnfiteatro… just off Via FillungoClimb the Guinigi Tower… Via Guinigi, 29Palazzo Pfanner… Via degli Asili, 33Palazzo Mandi… Via Galli Tassi, 43Take in an evening concertA guided tour… resident tour guide Paola Moschini see S1 Ep2Outside the WallsVilla Reale… Via Fraga Alta, 2, MarliaNottolini Viaduct… Via Tempietto, 388Tour of the Carrera Marble cavesLotus Lake… MassarosaPietrasantaViareggioFavourite Italian Word/PhraseMeravigliosa… wonderfulIn boco al lupo… good luck… respond with ‘crepe’… to seal the luck! Connect with DianaEmail: dianainbellaitalia@gmail.comKeep updated with events in Luccahttps://www.luccawhatson.com/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/lifeinluccaGrapevine MagazineDiscount Code: GVLIFE10Website: www.luccagrapevine.comClick Subscriptions > Grapevine on-line… complete the online formOur Italian JourneyWebsite: https://ouritalianjourney.com

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

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