Last weekend we caught our first Italian train. I can't believe it actually took us this long, considering one of the reasons we specifically chose Lucca because of its rail connections. We packed up a beach bag and headed off for a morning excursion to explore Viareggio.

I always thought that Italy was located on the other side of the world to Australia, but it turns out that actually it is on the face of the sun.

Yesterday was the much-anticipated actual day of Ferragosto, the public holiday that stops the nation - for a month.

We are well and truly experiencing the phenomenon that is August in Italy. Three of our four most frequently visited cafes are now closed until the end of the month.

Settling into life officially living in Lucca has well and truly commenced. We have farewelled our last visitors for the summer and our apartment is starting to feel like home.

Siamo arrivati in Italia! We have arrived in Italy. After a couple of weeks in the UK (London and then Newquay, Cornwall - a lovely spot that we will definitely visit again!) we landed in Italy.