I have been in Italy for 4 months and it is time to return to Australia. It is always difficult to leave, but I know that I will be back in September.
I arrived in Bagni di Lucca in winter. Our little village changed in the time I have been here.
I do like winter and the scenes it brings.
The view from my balcony is always good.
My daffodils were out when I arrived. Unfortunately they were much too crowded in the pots and left no room to plant pansies and later geraniums, so now they live at Casa Debbio. I hope they put on a good show next spring.
When spring begins I can see things turning green before my eyes. I plant pansies on the bridge in front of our apartment.
This year we had lots of rain, sometimes it seemed it would never end. At times we almost disappeared in the mist and rain.
All the rain makes for a very green spring.
We left very early this morning. True to form the day began with cool mists.
We are now in Helsinki. We arrived to warm sunshine, warmer than it has been in Italy for a while.
When I return it will be autumn…a favourite time for me.
We are getting ready to leave for Bagni di Lucca. One day I hope our paths will cross. I also hope warm, dry weather will follow us to Italy.
Thank you for keeping us connected all winter long. Best wishes for your time back home in Australia. Saluti!
By: dianepk on June 20, 2016
at 6:19 pm
I’m sure we will meet one day. I have lots of photos taken in the area and will continue to post while back in Australia. It helps to keep me connected as well.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 20, 2016
at 6:22 pm
Have a safe trip back to Australia!
Beautiful photos!
By: Mulino Dominillo on June 20, 2016
at 6:35 pm
Ponte a Serraglio looks good even in the rain.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:23 am
Oh Debra, it’s been a joy to read your entries and follow your footsteps and enjoy the places you’ve caught on film for us. Now, have a good trip back to Australia and I hope our paths cross again soon! Love, Sondra
By: Sondra on June 20, 2016
at 6:37 pm
I hope we catch up soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:23 am
No lunch together even?
Messaggio inviato dal mio ASUS
By: Francis on June 20, 2016
at 6:53 pm
Time got away…next time.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:24 am
We are about to leave as well. The stay was too short but we met some wonderful people in our 10 days here, and the house you recommended was absolutely perfect. Hopefully we will back for our 5th visit in the not too distant future!
By: akesektk on June 20, 2016
at 6:59 pm
I’m pleased you liked the house…and the village. See you next time.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:25 am
Leaving and not even a decent lunch date? And us never invited to Casa Debbio….? Ma che vergogna……
By: Francis on June 20, 2016
at 7:06 pm
Yes, I am sorry, but I will be back in September.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:26 am
You and Jim will be missed. Until September 😊
By: sheilasunshine on June 20, 2016
at 7:13 pm
See you then. Have a great summer.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:26 am
As I was standing at my kitchen sink within the last hour I was thinking ” it must be about time for you to head back to Aussie land”. September will be here before you blink……I am hoping 2/24 comes just as quickly and we will be in Lucca….in time for carnival…..see you then….
By: Anonymous on June 20, 2016
at 7:33 pm
I look forward to seeing you in February…and we have a date for Carnevale.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:27 am
It is so very hard to leave that beautiful village
By: Lyn on June 20, 2016
at 8:45 pm
It is, but I know I will be back soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:27 am
Looking forward to a catch up, welcome home.
By: Kirsi Säde on June 20, 2016
at 8:46 pm
Can’t wait to see your new place. See you soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:28 am
Yes I know you have had too much rain this trip but how beautiful your village looks.I remember well how fabulous the flower pots on the bridge look when you plant and tend them for the spring. I am sure you are a little sad but we are looking forward to having you back home for a while. Enjoy Helsinki and see you Saturday.X
By: Dianne CANT on June 20, 2016
at 8:47 pm
It is time to do Australian things. I will miss Italy, but I do love Brisbane winter.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:29 am
Brings back beautiful memories for me. I’m thinking of going there for part of my honeymoon in May 2017 so that I can share the beauty of your village with Mick.
By: Jo Barrett on June 20, 2016
at 9:14 pm
I hope you will come in May. We must get together when I am back in Brisbane.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:29 am
Looks really beautiful, Debra. Safe travels back to Australia. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on June 20, 2016
at 9:41 pm
Thank you. Even the rain can’t ruin Bagni di Lucca and our little bit of it.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:30 am
Beautiful pictures Debra! Always nice to check you blog!
By: Roberto Rodriguez on June 20, 2016
at 10:47 pm
Thank you. Our little village is very beautiful.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:30 am
What beautiful photos, Debra. I’m sure you hate to leave but how nice to know you’ll be back in no time. Very safe travels to you.
By: Stacy di Anna on June 20, 2016
at 11:28 pm
Yes, September will come around in no time. I am very lucky to be able to spend 6 months every year in gorgeous Italy.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 4:31 am
Aww 🙁 I feel your sadness. I love that shot that is taken of the village from above. Where is it?
By: Ishita on June 21, 2016
at 5:17 am
The photos were taken from Granaiola, a village above Ponte a Serraglio. It was a very wet day.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 5:29 am
It looks amazing!
By: Ishita on June 21, 2016
at 5:30 am
Dear Debra, “Bagni di Lucca” is an amazing and so beautiful place. And now, whenever I say Italy or remember, this lovely town comes to my mind… Italy means Bagni d Lucca with you 🙂 now. Beautiful photographs. Have a nice and safety voyage, and also have a wonderful Winter days in your home. Thank you, Love, nia
By: niasunset on June 21, 2016
at 6:12 am
Thank you Nia. I am happy to be going home to do Australian things for a while.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 3:53 pm
Wonderful photos Debra! Brings back great memories of Bagni Di Lucca! 😀
By: Pauline on June 21, 2016
at 6:51 am
It is a special place. I am glad I can spend do much time there.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 3:51 pm
How do you choose on any given year which seasons to spend in Italy? Is it always the same or do you mix it up?
By: apollard on June 21, 2016
at 8:05 am
I always go to Italy in February, return to Brisbane mid June, the go back to Italy September/ October/November. I don’t like summer in Italy, it is too hot and crowded and I love Brisbane winter.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 3:50 pm
I’m the same, I would rather be in winter in Auckland than August in Italy, much as I love Italy, the heat and people make me feel like I am suffocating. Spring and Autumn there are perfect.
By: apollard on June 22, 2016
at 8:21 am
Wow four months sure flew by. Let us know how Helsinki was. Have a good trip back!
By: Suvi on June 21, 2016
at 12:09 pm
We went to Porvoo today, the boat there and the bus back. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for Porvoo.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 3:48 pm
Lovely, I look forward to photos! It was a beautiful day today 🌞
By: Suvi on June 21, 2016
at 4:32 pm
Aren’t you really leaving one home for the other home?
By: Mallee Stanley on June 21, 2016
at 3:21 pm
Yes, both places feel like home to me. I like both.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 21, 2016
at 3:48 pm
I love following the seasons through you photographs. I love the raindrop hung, bare branches of winter but equally I love the wonderfully vibrant green of Spring. At least we can now offer some quite cool, gold and blue colours for your camera’s eye.
By: Jan on June 21, 2016
at 10:00 pm
I am hoping there will be some lovely Brisbane winter weather on our return.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 22, 2016
at 3:23 am
Gorgeous photos Debra. Safe travels and I look forward to hearing about your time back in Australia.
By: paninigirl on June 21, 2016
at 11:30 pm
Thank you, I do like winter in Brisbane.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 22, 2016
at 3:24 am
Such beautiful images Debra. Why do you leave in Summer to return to Australian winter?
By: Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella on June 23, 2016
at 2:42 pm
Summer in Italy can be very hot, and I don’t like to be hot. Brisbane winters are perfect. Most days are around 20 degrees and sunny.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 23, 2016
at 10:29 pm
I can’t believe how fast time goes by…it seems like you just got there and now you are on your way home. At least you know you will be back in September. Safe travels.
By: Karen on June 23, 2016
at 8:51 pm
4 months goes very quickly, especially as we a always busy when we are in Italy. The next 3 will fly by too and I will return.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 23, 2016
at 10:30 pm