Verde Mura, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

The Verde Mura ("green wall"), is an annual outdoor market event for gardening, plants, and outdoor living. More than 200 exhibitors set up their tents along a cordoned section of Lucca's wall to sell and show their wares. Although they seem dressed for a New England winter, it was above 60 degrees F when I made this picture. Generally speaking, leashed dogs are welcome in most establishments including many restaurants and bars.



The spice seller was doing a vigorous business selling spices and herbs. Point to or say which one you want and she scoops it into a small plastic bag, weighs it, and charges as advertised.



The broom maker/seller sat and made new brooms while waiting for customers. It is a trade passed down through the generations.  No mechanized factory, just hands, string, straw, and a handle.



I didn't notice what this woman was selling so captivated was I by her look. She had the coolest hat in town that day and was happy to pose with it.

Shadowman Evolves, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Shadowman works at home at night in Lucca creating tomorrow's blog post.



On a nighttime walk, Shadowman leans against a wonderfully textured wall.



Shadowman comes out into the light and goes for the hip Italian look - either that or the old-man-trying-to-be-young-again look. (All pix by Amy).

Lucca Film Festival & Europe Cinema, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

The Lucca Film Festival and Europe Cinema opened for a one week event in the Piazza del Giglio and other nearby locations in town. I liked their adult-size advertising effect above in bold red letters. A number of well-known people in the acting and directing world were included and expected for the event.



There were many films featuring the works of noted directors and performers and I did hear the occasional buzz about "someone" was spotted in town at a particular restaurant or store or wandering about.



I didn't attend any of the events but I did get this friendly star to strike a pose on the red carpet for me. Lucca - seems like there is always something interesting going on.

A Beautiful Day in Town and Around, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Lunch is always a popular choice in the Piazza dell' Anfiteatro. There are perhaps 15 eateries arrayed around the perimeter from which to choose - all offering Italian food, of course.



Or, you can pick the Ristoro delle Mura on Baluardo San Salvatore for the total outdoor in the green experience.



And on the wall, strollers........joggers......



.....walkers......



...sit-down bikers......



....roller bladers and regular bikers.......



......this weekend day was full of activity on the wall, the Passiggiata della Mura.



When it got too warm, refuge was available in the tunnels under the Baluardo San Martino to observe this piece of sand art.



Grain by colorful grain poured onto the ground to create this beautiful sight. Always something interesting going on in Lucca.

Piazza dell' Anfiteatro and Villa Bottini, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Piazza dell' Anfiteatro - not the center of the city but to some, the heartbeat, is always a great spot to eat, people-watch, or stand in the center and turn slowly in a circle to appreciate the surrounding unbroken oval - old men in hats sometimes do odd things. The low tents are all outdoor restaurants.(Panorama - click to view in full width if your browser supports that action).



A view from atop the perimeter wall looking outward. Large villa-styled buildings mostly line the adjacent street. The mountains in the distance separate Pisa from Lucca.



It's difficult for a tourist to turn a corner without seeing something spectacular. The bell tower of the Church of San Frediano peeks out between buildings on this narrow street.



I went to Villa Bottini to see an art exhibit.



It was quite nice but, I think I may have been more enthralled by the ceilings in some of the rooms of the villa more so than the art exhibit itself.











Stunning.

Signs of Spring, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

Spring is happening fast and beautifully here in Lucca as this wisteria blooms and cascades in Piazza Antelminelli.

On the south side of the same piazza, the sun-drenched steps make a perfect spot to have a quick panino (singular for panini) for lunch.



Still many of the hip young people wear tight all black clothing - men and women alike. This scene in Piazza San Frediano.



These roses are blooming for the upcoming "Verde Mura" (green wall), garden and plant show on the wall.



And more candidates for the Verde Mura.

We won't see bloomers like this at home in New England for many weeks. Lucca and Manomet may be at almost the same latitude but, they sure do have different native weather patterns.

Via Degli Angeli, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

I have walked by and photographed this street a few times over the years. I enjoy the gentle arc of the curve and the various colors and the challenge of trying to capture the feeling and sense of place - bicycles leaning against walls, flower boxes, colors, herringbone style road stones.



Imagine my surprise when, a few hours later, as I stood at this different location, I realized that it was the opposite end of the same street! Duh - tourist! Who would have guessed?

Piano Concert Series at Institute Boccherini, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

On March 30, 2017, I posted a blog about the Guitar Concert Series at Institute Boccherini at this link so I won't duplicate all that information in this post but refer you there instead for the background.

For this piano series of concerts, there were four consecutive night performances and featured world-class musicians performing at the Institute. Each event was free to the public.



Aldo Dotto performed the first night. Born in Pisa, he is a graduate of the Boccherini Institute. The award winning pianist has performed throughout Europe.











Gregorio Nardi was the performer on the second night. Born in Florence, he is a celebrated performer, musicologist, and critic.







Jin Ju, performed the third evening. Born in Shanghai, she has performed throughout the world.











And on the forth evening, Galina Chistiakova. She was born in Moscow and has performed throughout Europe and Asia.



Each of the four musicians was masterful with their instrument and able to connect with the appreciative crowd.



Walking home in the late night dark and silence, only the sounds of piano notes floated through my head. Amazed and overwhelmed that humans can make such wonderful and complex sounds with their ten fingers - and years and years of practice and commitment. It's an incredible world in which we live.

Red Vespas, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy

I never tire of seeing red Vespa motoscooters. And imagining riding around on one.



The problem is, I don't really live in a climate where owning one is very practical.



Oh, well.