You may be wondering why I’m hosting a podcast about Lucca. Well, after travelling the length and breadth of Italy, I have quite simply, fallen in love with Lucca. I now spend a few months here each year, and, much to my delight, I have been welcomed into the community that is Lucca as only the Lucchese people know how to do.
About the Podcast
During my podcast I will be joined by a variety of special guests from all walks of life, who share my passion for Lucca and everything Italian. Each episode, my guests will share unique stories and interesting experiences that have shaped their lives and indulged their passion for Lucca. Throughout the podcast, guests will be sharing how they discovered Lucca, along with interesting tips for those that live, visit, intend to visit, or are just curious about Lucca. So, if you want to learn about the hidden gems, quiet corners, delicious places to eat, or realise your dream of living like an Italian local, hit the subscribe button now, and each new episode will magically appear in your podcast library.
About Lucca
The Tuscan City of Lucca (Centro Storico), has a population of around 88k, and is encircled by medieval walls which are used as a social promenade. Interesting landmarks include; the Guinigi Tower, the Anfiteatro, and the Via Fillungo, which is the main shopping street. There are many beautiful Churches, including the Duomo of San Martino, San Michele, and San Frediano with its stunning mosaic. The Province of Lucca, consisting of just over 30 Communi (districts), has a population of around 380k, and this podcast will discuss the breathtaking delights of the City and the Communi beyond its Walls.
Subscribe, Follow, Review, Donate
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. You could also hit the subscribe or follow button now 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.
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 Recommendations
Trattoria Gigi… Piazzo del Carmine, 7
Nonna Clara… Via Santa Croce, 71
H&G Lounge… Via San Giorgio, 36
Restaurant Mecanate… Via del Fosso, 94
Gelateria Momo… Via della Fratta, 11
Gelateria Piero… Via Roma, 25
Pasticceria Stella… Traversa II Via Pisana, 50 Sant’Anna
Pasticceria Tiffany... Via Gaetano Luporini, 1054
Bar Fuori Controllo… Via Santa Croce, 94
Inside the Walls
Walk the Walls
Anfiteatro… just off Via Fillungo
Climb the Guinigi Tower… Via Guinigi, 29
Palazzo Pfanner… Via degli Asili, 33
Palazzo Mandi… Via Galli Tassi, 43
Take in an evening concert
A guided tour… resident tour guide Paola Moschini see S1 Ep2
Outside the Walls
Villa Reale… Via Fraga Alta, 2, Marlia
Nottolini Viaduct… Via Tempietto, 388
Tour of the Carrera Marble caves
Lotus Lake… Massarosa
Pietrasanta
Viareggio
Favourite Italian Word/Phrase
Meravigliosa… wonderful
In boco al lupo… good luck… respond with ‘crepe’… to seal the luck!
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. 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.
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 Recommendations
Trattoria Gigi… Piazza del Carmine, 7
Osteria La Dritta…Piazza S.Francesco, 33
Pasticceria Momus… Piazza Santa Maria, 23
Gelateria Momo… Via della Fratta, 11
Book 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 Walls
Visit Lucca’s 5 Towers: Guinigi; Delle Ore; San Martino; San Frediano; San Giovanni
Nottolini Viaduct… Via Tempietto, 388
Hike the hills around Lucca
Collodi… known for its link to Carlo Lorenzini, who used the pen name Carlo Collodi and wrote The Adventures of Pinocchio
Carrara Marble Quarry… a UNESCO heritage site and where Michaelanglo extracted the marble for his statue of David
Favourite Italian Word/Phrase
Allora… Well/now… a filler word
In bocca al lupo… good luck … respond with… crepe… to seal the luck!
S2 #3 with Andrea Paganelli
Saison 2 · Épisode 3
dimanche 12 février 2023 • Durée 01:01:24
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 Recommendations
The Walls of Lucca - for relaxing, running, and family time
Explore the Villas of Lucca - inside and outside the Walls
Book a tour with Tuscan Drivers - see Connect with Andrea, below
Experience a winery or olive oil production and tasting
The Beach
The Garfagnana
Explore the many Tunnels under the Walls of Lucca
The Dolomite mountains - cooler than the beach in the summer, and good for skiing in the winter
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Babbo - Dad (typical to Tuscany)
Least favourite Italian word
Marca da bollo - revenue stamp
Connect with Andrea
Ph: +1 (404) 865 1733
E: info@tuscandrivers.com
S2 #2 with Sally Ramsey
Saison 2 · Épisode 2
mercredi 1 février 2023 • Durée 55:11
My guest today is Sally Ramsey. Sally contacted me after listening to this podcast as she was planning to visit Lucca, and we arranged to meet up. I must say, that Lucca is the only place where I’ve experienced random strangers, with a love of the city, arranging to meet up and share experiences. Even though Sally is based in the USA, she and I have become really good friends. So, I was delighted when she agreed to be interviewed for this podcast when we were both in Lucca back in September 2021, as her experiences are so relevant to anyone who is hoping to visit, or increase the time they spend in Lucca, especially those of you travelling from afar. Significantly, you will hear how each time Sally visits Lucca, her friendship base grows and the length of her stay increases. Enjoy the show…
Sally’s Recommendations
Piazza San Michele, Piazza Napoleone, sit and people watch
Walk the walls
Enrol on one of the many courses, eg cookery classes
An evening at one of the many music events
Via Fillungo, the main shopping street
Anfiteatro, eating, drinking, shopping, people watching
Ristorante, Olio Su Tavola di Reaction, Via del Battistero, 38
Gelateria, Bottega del gelato, Via Santa Croce, 87
Pasticceria Dianda, Via Della Rosa, 9
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Magari - I hope so
Non vedo l’ora - I can’t wait
Connect with Sally
WhatsApp: +1 (615) 838 7704
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
S2 #1 with Ilene & Gary Modica
Saison 2 · Épisode 1
lundi 23 janvier 2023 • Durée 01:24:13
My guests this week are Ilene and Gary Modica. In 2010 they left Phoenix, Arizona for a holiday in Italy, and this was not only the start of a love affair with Italy, but also the start of many amazing adventures. I interviewed Ilene and Gary in September 2021, and they revealed that they had travelled to 86 Italian towns and cities, before choosing Lucca as their ‘forever home’. They have documented their travels and adventures and are award winning bloggers, and co-authors of the books, Our Italian Journey, and When your Heart finds its Home. This is a really engaging, open and honest interview in which Ilene and Gary discuss the highs and lows of setting up home in a new country, along with their experience of seeking dual citizenship through Gary’s Italian ancestry.
Ilene & Gary’s Recommendations
Osteria da Pasqualino Gubitosa, Via del Moro, 8
Pizzeria Mara Meo, Piazza San Francesco, 17
Vinarkia della Pavona, Via Fillungo, 188
Momo Gelati, Via della Fratta, 11
The Walls - walk or cycle
Duomo San Martino, Piazza Antelminelli
Piazza Napoleone - The Carousel
Piazza Michele - try a piece of Buccellato at the cafe and cake shop Buccellato Taddeucci
Via Fillungo - walk to the Anfiteatro, Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro
The Guinigi Tower, take in the outside before climbing to the top, Via Sant’Andrea, 41
Palazzo Pfanner, Via degli Asili, 33
Puccini Museum, Corte San Lorenzo, 9
Just walk and ‘go and get lost’ in Lucca
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Allora - so/and/well/now (a filler word)
Series 2 Trailer
Saison 2
lundi 16 janvier 2023 • Durée 03:34
Life in Lucca with Andrea - Series 2 starts week beginning 23 January - Subscribe Now!
Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea!
Well, it feels really good to be saying that again.
I’m delighted that the Life in Lucca with Andrea podcast has burst through 2500 downloads, in fact it’s closing in on the magic 3000! I must say that I’ve been overwhelmed with your lovely comments and feedback. I’ve really enjoyed reading your emails, and meeting some of you here in Lucca. In fact, I was at the top of the Guinigi Tower last summer chatting away, and a lovely lady visiting from the States, recognised my voice from the podcast, and introduced herself to me, Laura, thank you, it was so lovely to meet you, you made my day!
Listener feedback has been really positive, and I have been taking note of your comments and queries. Many of you want practical advice, as you are looking to stay in Lucca for an extended period, some of you with a view to moving to Lucca on a permanent basis, some with families, some to retire. Others are visiting for a holiday but want to explore the ‘real’ Lucca and visit places off the tourist track, where they can live like a local and experience the authentic Lucca.
So, you’ll be delighted to know that I’ve interviewed some really special guests for Series 2, it’s an absolute joy listening back to the interviews during the editing process.
As you know, I self fund this podcast, and for Series 1, I paid a company to undertake the editing and distribution process. I can’t continue doing this so for Series 2 I’m undertaking the editing and distribution process myself. So, to accommodate this, I’ve recently changed podcast providers, I’ve moved from Podbean to Acast but that shouldn’t have any effect on the way that you receive the episodes. So, if you enjoy the podcast, you can help by donating the equivalent of a gelato or two, you can do this by going to the ko-fi website where you can link to my page which is ko-fi/lifeinlucca
So, following a longer than anticipated break, I’m excited to share with you that the first episode of Series 2 will be released… drum roll… week beginning the 23 January, so do listen out for it.
#6 with Debbie Charlett
Saison 1 · Épisode 8
mercredi 25 août 2021 • Durée 48:10
Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea
This week I chat to my very special friend, Debbie Charlett, who I actually met here, in Lucca. Debbie is a yoga teacher, and not only has she travelled extensively around Tuscany, amassing a wealth of experience, she also fell in love with Lucca along the way. She has had many an adventure and it’s been great fun sharing some of those adventures with her. In fact, Debbie recently realised her dream and bought an apartment in the historic centre of Lucca. So, whether you’re planning to visit Lucca, or thinking of buying your own apartment, this episode has lots to offer, not just practical advice, but also fun experiences.
Connect with Debbie
If you would like further information, or to enrol on Debbie’s Viniyoga sessions, her contact details are:
Palazzo Pfanner, Via degli Asili, 33 Lucca, gardens
Villa Reale di Marlia, Villa Reale di Marlia, Via Fraga Alta, 2, Marlia, house and gardens
Boccherini Music School, Piazza del Suffragio, 6 Lucca, an evening concert
Ristorante Il Mecenate, Via del Fosso, 94 Lucca
Pasticceria Meucci, Via Vittorio Veneto, 12 Lucca
Pasticceria Regina, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 7 (outside the walls, Porta San Elisa)
Gelateria Veneta, Via Vittorio Veneto, 74
#5 with Vanessa Peters
Saison 1 · Épisode 5
vendredi 20 août 2021 • Durée 01:04:39
Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea
In this episode, I meet the Texan born, Vanessa Peters, for the very first time! Discover how, on a study abroad programme in Tuscany back in 2000, Vanessa stumbled by chance, on the then unremarkable City of Lucca, in a guide book, it grabbed her curiosity, and she felt drawn to visit.
Vanessa is a musician, very fitting then that she found, and then chose Lucca, which is renowned for its culture of music, as her base. In fact, the video for her single Crazymaker, taken from the album Modern Age, which came out in February, was filmed in Lucca in December 2020.
Connect with Vanessa
www.vanessapeters.com
Vanessa’s Recommendations
The Walls, Lucca
Torre Guinigi, Via Sant’Andrea, 41
Torre Delle Ore, Via Arancio, 1
San Frediano Basilica, Piazza San Frediano
Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata, Piazza San Giovanni
Gelateria: La Bottega, Via Santa Croce, 87
Gelateria De’Coltelli, Via San Paolino, 10
Pasticceria: Meucci, Via Vittorio Veneto, 12
Pasticceria: Regina, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 7 (outside the walls, Porta San Elisa)
Pasticceria/Bar: Tiffany, Via Gaetano Luporini, 1054 (outside the walls, Porta Sant’Anna)
Ristorante: Osteria Baralla, Via dell’Anfiteatro, 9
Ristorante: Osteria Dal Manzo, Via Cesare Battisti, 28
Favourite Italian Word/Phrase
, a gap word)
#4 with Debora Del Sonno
Saison 1 · Épisode 4
jeudi 12 août 2021 • Durée 01:05:59
Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea!
My guest this week is Debora Del Sonno, a one hundred per cent true Lucchese, she not only lives in Lucca, but she was born here too. Debora is a private real estate agent and takes great pride in finding each client the perfect property, whether it be a permanent residence, or a short or long-term rental. In fact, she was the first person to offer holiday rentals in the historic centre more than 20 years ago. Debora exudes great warmth and she is on a mission to share her passion for her city of birth, with guests and visitors alike. What a treat!
Barga, a medieval town within the province of Lucca
Montecarlo, a village in the province of Lucca
Pietrasanta, a medieval town known for its artistic tradition, in the province of Lucca
#3 with Debra Kolkka
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
jeudi 5 août 2021 • Durée 01:00:31
Ciao and Welcome to Life in Lucca with Andrea!
This week I interview Debra Kolkka. From Australia to Bagni di Lucca, her travels and experiences around Italy have led her to create two extremely successful blogs, Bella Bagni di Lucca and Bagni di Lucca and Beyond, both blogs are read and admired around the globe. Debra is a fountain of knowledge, the eyes for those unable to visit, and also those who want a taste of the Italian lifestyle from their armchairs.
Eremo di Calomino, 5 Fabbriche di Vergemoli, Lucca. A Hermitage set in the cliff face with a restaurant
Ristorante Circolo dei Forestieri, Piazza Jean Varraud, 10 Bagni di Lucca
Ristorante del Sonno, Viale Umberto 1, 146/148 Bagni di Lucca
Pasticceria, Café and Bar, Bar Italia, Piazza Ponte a Serraglio, 8 Bagni di Lucca
Pasticceria and Café, Catene Café, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 13, Fornoli, Bagni di Lucca
Gelateria, Fuori del Centro, Via del Brennero, 9 Chifenti near Bagni di Lucca
Favourite Italian word/phrase
– (so what do you expect!)
Donate
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.
Andrea 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, Donate
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. 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.
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. 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.
Andrea 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, Donate
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. 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.
In the meantime, you can listen to, or re-visit Series 1 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.
You can also follow me on Instagram at andreas_life_in_lucca andduring the months that I’m in Lucca, I post photos of my adventures and the people I meet for you to enjoy.
Thanks so much for listening and your continued support. I hope to see you soon in Lucca, do e-mail me atlifeinlucca@hotmail.com and we can perhaps meet up for a coffee chat or a walk on the walls.
Gelateria and Chocolatier, Caniparoli, Via San Paolino, 44
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Incredibile – Incredible (the Italian pronunciation emphasises the word, making it more powerful)
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Support
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support this podcast by buying the equivalent of a coffee or two, if you can, at: ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca your donations really do help.
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
Ormai, by now/at this point (something has changed so we’ll do it later/reschedule
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Support
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support this podcast by buying the equivalent of a coffee or two, if you can, at: ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca your donations really do help.
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
Trattoria Buca di Sant’Antonio, Via della Cervia, 3 Lucca
Ristorante Gli Orti, Via Elisa, 17 Lucca
Pasticceria Sandra & L’Angolo Dolce, Via Borgo Giannotti, 391, Lucca
Gelateria Cremeria Opera, Via Borgo Giannotti, 42, Lucca
Gelateria Veneta, Via Vittorio Veneto, 74
Gelateria De’Coltelli, Via San Paolino, 10
Gelateria and Chocolatier, Caniparoli, Via San Paolino, 44
Gelateria Theobroma Capolavori di Dolcezza, Via Guglielmo Marconi, 16/18 Barga
Favourite Italian word/phrase
Ti voglio bene – more than I like you but less than I love you/a positive affirmation, similar to Namaste/a spoken hug
About the Host
Andrea has travelled the length and breadth of Italy. Having fallen in love with Lucca, she now spends a few months there each year.
Support
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support this podcast by buying the equivalent of a coffee or two, if you can, at: ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca your donations really do help.
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
Subscribe and Review: If you’ve enjoyed listening to Life in Lucca with Andrea it would be lovely if you could take a moment to leave a review and share your comments. You can SUBSCRIBE to the show on the various platforms APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | GOOGLE PODCASTS etc...
If you’ve enjoyed the episode, please support me by buying me a coffee, if you can, at;
ko-fi.com/lifeinlucca it really does help!
Connect with me:
If you would like to connect with me, I would be delighted to hear from you, you can find me on:
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