It is time for me to go back to Australia. I love my home in Brisbane, but I always hate leaving Ponte a Serraglio. This autumn is the best I have ever spent here. The weather has been amazing. We have had blue skies and warm sunny days and deliciously cool mornings and evenings. This makes it even harder to leave.
Here are some random reasons why I don’t want to go.
Early morning at Ponte a Serraglio.
Yes, this door is lilac.
I will be back early next year to enjoy some lovely winter in Italy and start work on the interior of our stone house in Vergemoli.
I have gathered up lots of things to share with you in the last 2 months, enough to last until I come back.
Ciao, ciao, Debra. Buon viaggio.
By: Heather Jarman on December 3, 2011
at 6:55 am
Grazie!
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:51 pm
Good bye Debra, thank you for all the wonderful fotos. ilario
By: Anonymous on December 3, 2011
at 6:56 am
See you in February.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:52 pm
Hi Debra
just so lovely. It is not only what you see with your eyes but also what you see with your heart when in Italy. I meet people who feel it and they have never been to Italy. It just keeps getting better. Enjoy your return to Brissy. It is quite nice here right now as we are having a spell from the early summer
By: aussiegirl on December 3, 2011
at 6:58 am
I know how you feel, aussiegirl, I visited Italy about 40 yrs. ago and feel as I’ve never really left.On the ride to Fiumicino ,by bus, I felt that I would just take the bus back the next day. Italy has held my heart all these years. Ah…..maybe next year…..
By: Sharon on December 3, 2011
at 7:53 am
I hope is not too hot or I might just jump on the next plane and come back to Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:53 pm
Deb, safe travels … And Merry Christmas! See you next year ….
By: Amanda on December 3, 2011
at 6:59 am
Merry Christmas to you too.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:53 pm
It’s so easy to see why you don’t want to leave but knowing that you’ll soon be back must make it a bit easier. The best of both worlds! Great photos.
By: jenny@atasteoftravel on December 3, 2011
at 7:07 am
I do have the best of both worlds. I am very lucky.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:58 pm
Thank you, Debra, for the lovely photos and articles. They make me miss Bagni di Lucca even more. We are also leaving for San Francisco and we shall see you around March.
Have a nice and safe trip!
By: Mulino Dominillo on December 3, 2011
at 7:14 am
I look forward to seeing you both in March.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:58 pm
I can see why you will miss Italy, but there’s nothing like being home for the holidays. Love the cat photo and the lilac door!
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on December 3, 2011
at 7:26 am
I hope you have a great Christmas and that Santa is kind to you.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:00 pm
Oh my goodness…that would be hard to leave. Whenever we leave France, my husband always says (I think this might be an Italian thing): “Look back, go back”…so look back for as long as we can…I’m betting you do the same. Have a safe, safe trip Deb.
By: The Daily Cure on December 3, 2011
at 8:51 am
I wander about saying goodbye to my favourite things.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:54 pm
I totally understand what you feel leaving Debra, but so nice to know you can enjoy these two places you love so much and always keep coming back to both. I’ll be looking forward to your return! Big hug!
By: Rosaly Palma Torvnes on December 3, 2011
at 9:52 am
See you in February. Have a great Christmas.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:55 pm
Looking forward to seeing you my friend.
By: Anonymous on December 3, 2011
at 10:11 am
You too anonymous.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:01 pm
OK, that was weird, I seem to have lost my account, so I started a new one. Still looking forward to seeing you. x
By: Liz Golding on December 3, 2011
at 10:13 am
See you next week.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:56 pm
Buon viaggio Debra. It’s raining here to help ease your journey! Seems to be signalling this glorious autumn is now over so you are safe to leave! I adore the first picture, magical light. You capture the essence of our beautiful little town so well in your stunning photos.
By: From a Tuscan Villa on December 3, 2011
at 10:26 am
It’s raining in Rome too, and my shoes decided they were no longer waterproof.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 7:56 pm
Yes fully understand why you dont want to leave Italy this week, but Brisbane is looking very colourful and sub tropical with the poincianas looking their best in years. Looking forward to seeing you home soon
Di
By: dianne Cant on December 3, 2011
at 12:08 pm
I look forward to seeing you soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:06 pm
[…] here: Goodbye Bagni di Lucca, hello Brisbane – Bagni di Lucca and Beyond This entry was posted in Lucca, News of Lucca and tagged always-hate, autumn, bagni, brisbane, […]
By: Goodbye Bagni di Lucca, hello Brisbane – Bagni di Lucca and Beyond | Around Tuscany – Accomodation in Tuscany on December 3, 2011
at 1:41 pm
I’m sure it is sad to leave, and I can see why! But I bet Brisbane has many many beautiful and interesting sites to see and taste as well. Have a great winter and happy travels!
By: Lesley on December 3, 2011
at 2:52 pm
I’ll be having a hot summer while you are cold.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:03 pm
Oh I know this ache, I can feel it from here. c
By: ceciliag on December 3, 2011
at 2:54 pm
I always find it difficult to leave Bagni di Lucc? The rain today helped a bit.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:06 pm
Safe travels, Debra and thanks for taking us with you on your beautiful autumn stay in Italy.
By: Karen Overton on December 3, 2011
at 3:08 pm
It will be winter when I return. Hopefully we will have some snow.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:08 pm
Thanks for all the great photos I must admit I have tears in my eyes! Have a safe trip. I hope to be in Riolo end of January maybe I’ll see you then. Ciao, Mike
By: Anonymous on December 3, 2011
at 4:30 pm
I hope to see you in February.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:09 pm
Your pictures are just magnificent Debra and I am sure you will have sad feelings about leaving but you are going back to sunny Brisbane.
Have a safe trip.
Pam Proctor
By: Anonymous on December 3, 2011
at 4:32 pm
It is never easy to leave , but I love Brisbane too.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:10 pm
Safe travels and once again thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. It helps keep me connected until I can return. See you in May!
By: paninigirl on December 3, 2011
at 4:48 pm
I look forward to catching up in May
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:11 pm
I understand you so well… it is a place to enjoy, to miss, love to come back.
Thanks for sharing your view.
By: maru on December 3, 2011
at 4:48 pm
I’ll be back soon for some lovely winter.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:12 pm
Gosh those two months have flown by. Your photos are beautiful. Safe journey back to Australia.
By: Just Add Attitude on December 3, 2011
at 6:14 pm
Thanks. Time flies when you are having fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:15 pm
See you back in Brissie Deb
By: Russell on December 3, 2011
at 7:40 pm
French Twist here we come.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 3, 2011
at 8:16 pm
Your photos are stunning!….. and be prepared for HOT and STEAMY weather in Brisbane. 🙂
By: Cheryl on December 3, 2011
at 10:08 pm
I don’t like hot and steamy. I am never prepared for this.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 6:16 am
You ceratinly showed me how lovely BDL is during the autum period. I was amased by the colour of the trees and the fog lifting in the valley against the hills. I also noted that the river water level seems to change so much, rather then staying high throughout this period. I cannot wait untill we live there. Its killing me I tell you. Looking at your blog daily does not help me iether mind you…… Have a nice trip back to Aus
Paul
By: Anonymous on December 3, 2011
at 11:07 pm
The water has been very low this year as there has been little rain. It is pouring now, so it will turn into a raging torrent quite quickly. I love the autumn mists. I also like the winter.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 5:41 am
Thank you so much for sharing these Italian experiences and beautiful photos. I almost felt that we hadn’t left europe……… See you next Saturday.
By: kirsi sade on December 3, 2011
at 11:56 pm
I look forward to it.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 5:41 am
It is so beautiful there, I understand why you are so reluctant to leave. Safe travels!
By: Marcia Clarke on December 4, 2011
at 12:18 am
It is just as well I love Brisbane too.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 5:42 am
It must be so hard to leave that Debra!
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on December 4, 2011
at 1:16 am
Brisbane is a great place to live so it isn’t all bad.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 5:43 am
Wow, hasn’t that gone quickly, Deb! It’s been so nice to share the journey with you! Have a good trip home!
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on December 4, 2011
at 2:29 am
Time goes too quickly. How can we slow it down?
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 5:44 am
Thanks Deb,
Le Torre Farm also features in many of my photos. We walked up there one sunny afternooon and met some interesting people along the way.
Happy travelling,
Cheers Judy
By: Judy on December 4, 2011
at 4:47 am
Le Torre always looks great sitting up there.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 5:44 am
So pretty the photos and the places you were at… i really miss Italy.
Seriously, i think this is the most beautiful country in Western Europe with plenty of different landscapes to offer.
A real escape from the typical buzz of city life and modern gigantic structures, into another different world altogether, lost in time…
By: Tarte aux fraises on December 4, 2011
at 6:41 am
I think Italy has more beautiful things per square inch than anywhere else. I love it!!!
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 6:48 am
Wonderful photographs again, Debra! Travel home safely.
PS: Have sent you an email to your blog email address.
By: lisa@notesfromafrica on December 4, 2011
at 6:45 am
Thank you Lisa. I will look for the email.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 4, 2011
at 6:55 am
How very lovely. Thank you.
Mike
By: goldenhart on December 4, 2011
at 8:02 am
Really Debra? Has it really been 2 whole months since you got back?
All those beautiful pictures, there is certainly a lot to miss.
(tell me, do you know what that press/grinder type thing is above the lilac door? I’m curious, and have squinted my eyes quite a few times…)
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on December 4, 2011
at 8:34 am
I can’t believe 2 months has gone by so quickly either. The press could be for grapes or olives, both are growing nearby. I’m not really sure.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 5, 2011
at 7:14 pm
Debra, I used the wrong email address. Have forwarded the email to you again.
By: lisa@notesfromafrica on December 4, 2011
at 8:47 am
I Can’t believe we weren’t able to connect this trip. Hope to see you in June?? Thanks for the lovely journey….i love the cat picture, that reminds me of my hamlet. Wish we were there-someday we will spend Christmas there. Is the photo with the street lights in Bagni? Lovely…
By: Melonie Carideo on December 4, 2011
at 10:47 am
I won’t be in Bagni di Lucca in June. I will be there from February until mid May.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 5, 2011
at 7:16 pm
Beautiful and feel the emotions with you. I long to see them in book form.
Safe travels back to Brisbane.
By: helen on December 4, 2011
at 11:09 am
I am in cold, wet, but still lovely Helsinki on my way home – all good so far.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 5, 2011
at 7:16 pm
No wonder you don’t want to leave. It’s magical!
By: Marcie on December 4, 2011
at 6:37 pm
Ponte a Serraglio is a special place.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 5, 2011
at 7:18 pm
Beautiful photos! I especially love the first one. Enjoy your trip back to Australia…
By: Kathy on December 4, 2011
at 11:32 pm
That one was taken early one cold morning.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 5, 2011
at 7:18 pm
amazing nature, woooww. i love it.
By: Fragolina on December 5, 2011
at 10:30 am
There is lots to love about Bagni di Lucca.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 5, 2011
at 7:22 pm
Dear Debra, I can almost understand you why you don’t want to leave Bagni di Lucca… I loved through your photographs this lovely Italian town. Your photographs are amazing again, especially the blue door and yellow tree and yes, cats…I wish you to have a nice and safety voyage and also to have a nice Christmas. See you next year, my eyes will be looking for you always dear Debra, Thank you for all these beautiful sharing and photographs. Blessing and Happiness, with my love, nia
By: niasunset on December 5, 2011
at 2:35 pm
Thank you, and happy Christmas to you too.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 5, 2011
at 7:27 pm
wonderful photos again Debra…I can see why you love it! so looking forward to visiting next year… your photos and blog may it so real!
By: Pauline on December 6, 2011
at 3:27 am
Wow, I wouldn’t want to leave either. It is so beautiful! How long hav you been going to Italy for?
By: thirdeyemom on December 6, 2011
at 8:11 pm
We bought our apartment in Bagni di Lucca 8 years ago and I have been spending 5/6 months a year there since. My husband unfortunately is still working so isn’t able to spend as much time there as I do. Hopefully this will change in the near future. I went to Italy for the first time in 1972.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 6, 2011
at 8:15 pm
[…] the rest here: Goodbye Bagni di Lucca, hello Brisbane – Bagni di Lucca and Beyond This entry was posted in Lucca and tagged always-hate, autumn, bagni, brisbane, ponte, the-best. […]
By: Goodbye Bagni di Lucca, hello Brisbane – Bagni di Lucca and Beyond | Around Tuscany – Accomodation in Tuscany on January 1, 2012
at 10:21 am
Have a great stay in Australia.
I will look forward to your coming back to Ponte a Serraglio.
I notice a picture of I’ll Ponte delDiavo
Every time we have been on the way Pieve dei Monti di Villa we stop at the bridge and take pictures
Have great stay. Thank you
By: lucca1958 on October 24, 2020
at 11:22 pm
This is an old post. I won’t be going home this year because of the covid restrictions. I will be here in Italy until mid next year. That’s OK.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 26, 2020
at 5:09 am