Typical Barga Evening

After the hard day at the pool, an excellent meal at the Altana demonstrated that, in our opinion, it is the best restaurant in town.


The other contender for the title is probably the Scacciaguai which I feel verges on the pretentious – although this could be considered an unfair assessment on my part as I haven’t actually dined there.

After dinner, at about ten o’clock we passed through Piazza San Angelio to hear a band from Lucca playing classic tunes and where we encountered Loreno. We then joined up with Roberto and others at the usual venue for leisurely drinks alfresco until about one in the morning.

As a result, today was a late start and lazing around in the sun at home: also I don't yet feel ready to meet Roberto at the pool.

Tonight could well follow a similar pattern.

Another hard day at the pool.

Barga weather is now more comfortable following rain storms in the north of Italy.

The table tennis tournament final saw the two top seeds, me and Roberto, facing each other under the fierce midday sun. The fact that it was a closely fought five set match with the fifth set going 22-20 does not compensate for the fact that the outcome was a bitter disappointment. Let’s not speak of it further.

On the positive front I did finish my latest Italian novel – Il giardino del Finzi-Contini – a great read.

Honorary Barghigiani

Honorary Barghigiani “birra grande” John and Sheena send their regards to family, friends and fellow Queen of the South supporters back home.

Turning up the Heat

Yesterday was the hottest day so far but today, at 35C, is even hotter.
Celebrated Matthew’s birthday in Viareggio and at Bugno.

Viareggio was deserted and defying the laws of economics – faced with an overabundance of supply and next to no demand you would think that the price of a day on the beach would be in freefall but not so and the prices are said to be the highest in Italy – €60 for four, one umbrella and use of the pool.

There were 14 at Matthew’s birthday meal at the Bugno but I think there was food and drink for twice that number – shame that you weren’t there.

Also more pressure on the table tennis front – Roberto wants to make clear that he is two points ahead of the field and Tim only has one point: also Carla is complaining that the championship didn’t get started till after she had gone otherwise she claims she could have beaten all contenders

Exciting development at Leclerc hypermarket where the old wire trolleys have been replaced by new super light plastic ones which go where you steer them.

Tonight eating at La Mocchia which contrary to rumour – that I may have started – is not closed for the next two weeks.

Matthew and Michelle

Arrived on Sunday and have settled into Barga although they are finding the pace a bit challenging – food, wine, Lucca today, Viareggio tomorrow.

While I am here, I have come under some pressure to refer to the table tennis tournament. I hadn’t thought it important as it is still work in progress. However, if I must: Roberto is currently in the lead with Tim in second position but I am confident of pulling back the championship.

I wonder how heavy I am.

Elia and Anna

Apologies to Elia and Anna for not mentioning them and their swimming prowess previously when writing about their nonno, Loreno. For safety, I should also mention their parents, Lorena and Billy.

Giovedi Club

Hadn’t planned an update today but Loreno insisted as he is now not sure if he had a good time unless he reads about it here. Loreno, relax we had a great night with an excellent meal that started with an almost nouvelle cuisine zucchini fiori fritti in a delicate batter building up through several rounds of antipasto, ravioli and maccheroni to a climax of a fantastic T-Bone steak: but best of all was the witty and erudite conversation. We may have had some wine and grappa.

Apparently, next week is Ladies night at the club but I don’t think we can make it as it is a fish night and Matthew and Michelle are not keen on fish.

Today was a pool day with insalata for lunch and now getting ready for dinner somewhere, than drinks at Alpino