It is great to be back in our little part of Italy. We have now had our apartment in Ponte a Serraglio for almost 22 years!
I have arrived just in time to watch spring unfold. There have been some sunny days and some wet ones.
Daffodils have come up in my balcony pots and I have planted pansies on the bridge. They should grow well for a couple of months.
Magnolia flowers are opening in the warm weather.
The nearby Devil’s bridge always looks great. The road past on our side of the river is closed for 3 months so I will miss the view.
I discovered an excellent new (for me) cafe/bar in Pietrasanta, a favourite nearby town. I will definitely become a regular at Cafe Duomo.
I had a great day in Florence with blue sky and warm weather.
I almost bought myself a lovely birthday present…but didn’t.
It is difficult to choose between Giacosa and Caffe Gilli when in Florence. The answer is obviously to do both.
I made it to the final day of the Viareggio Carnevale, more on that in another post. Here is a small sample of the amazing event.
Beautiful photographs x
By: Annie Llewellyn on March 6, 2025
at 10:37 pm
Thank you, I have good subjects.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 7, 2025
at 6:04 am
As always we love to see your posts when you are back in Italy. Enjoy your stay.
By: Kerry & Jim on March 6, 2025
at 10:47 pm
Thank you. It is good to be back.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 7, 2025
at 6:04 am
Hi Debra, fabulous photos of Ponte a Serraglio and the misty sky along the river. The daffodils and the purple and yellow pansies are just stunning. Cafe Duomo certainly has some enticing pastries as do the 2 cafes in Florence. It would be hard to choose so a return visit would be in order!
Kind regards,
Robyn in Coorparoo (having trouble logging in on Word Press)
By: Robyn McLeod on March 7, 2025
at 2:51 am
I don’t know what is going on with WordPress, it has always been a mystery to me.
I am certainly spoiled for choice with fabulous cafes. Bar Italia across the bridge is hard to beat.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 7, 2025
at 6:06 am
It’s all looking so beautiful Debi. The ‘new’ cafe looks divine and go back and buy that bag 😍
By: Christine collins on March 7, 2025
at 10:10 am
I can probably live without the bag!
By: Debra Kolkka on March 8, 2025
at 6:10 pm
Your pictures make me miss this beautiful area where we spent two summers…once for 2 month 10 years ago for 3 months 6 years ago. We spent a few days there 2 years ago….and boy have things changed. Our favorite restaurants are Piana dei Fiumi and il cavallo Bianco in Benbbio. Even though we have been throughout all of italy on so many visits, this still remains our favorite place.
By: Joann Poserina on March 8, 2025
at 5:57 pm
The owners of Il Cavallino Bianco retired, but I believe it has reopened with new owners. I will go and try it.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 8, 2025
at 6:12 pm
The flowers are looking so beautiful Debra! 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on March 10, 2025
at 11:18 am
Gorgeous, gorgeous, someday…..
By: derin Gemignani on March 10, 2025
at 10:19 pm
Welcome back Debra! You’re livin’ the life! Love all your amazing photos, as always. I so need to return and share the fun and beauty….and those Florentine cafes!
By: Doug on March 13, 2025
at 3:49 pm