So here I am, lodged at the wonderful Da Pia B&B, Pietrasanta in North West Tuscany, and am now poised on the very cusp of an adventure full of promise, full of the unknown and full of potential. For if I am ever to understand the similarities and differences between our Colorado Yule marble and what is without doubt the most famous marble in the world then how better than by examining the whole picture from one end to the other.

For what is Carrara marble? What are its properties, where exactly does it come from, what are the locals doing with it, and what does the mysterious region that created this fabled marble look like?  Will there be similarities between our Yule and their Carrara? And will the region bare a resemblance to the Roaring Fork Valley back home?

These are all questions and topics that I aim to address on my rambles through North West Tuscany over the next 12 weeks or so.  Perhaps then I will understand and hopefully be able to put The Yule in perspective regarding what is, by nearly everyone’s estimation, the gold standard of marble. “Carrara”, say it like the Italians do, go to town and exaggeratedly  rrroll your rrrrs  with gusto!  Just the name evokes so much even  to those with absolutely no knowledge of stone whatsoever. Now let’s get this whole project underway and take a little look-see at what what is going on across the entire region to in an attempt to set the matter straight.

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My plan is to circle the quarry region clockwise around a loop stretching from Pisa up to Pontremoli and back via Lucca, but I may take a few diversions, or detours, along the way, But one thing is for sure, by the end of this epic trip I will have covered practically every inch of the region – and then some.  So come along, it’ll be fun.

Now let’s take a stroll around my new world and head for the center of Pietrasanta, take a look around and indulge some good old fashioned people watching just to get the feel of the place – the vibe, if you will.

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The’re no doubt that Pietrasanta’s heart and soul centers around their beautiful and wide central square, with cafes lining all sides and a continuous procession of highly individual individuals promenading at any given time of the day.

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Well, it all looks very nice indeed. I am going to enjoy exploring this fascinating region and I hope you will join me as I attempt to understand not just the famous Carrara marble itself, but the culture, the people and the environment from whence it came. See you soon.

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The Rogue Has Landed: Rogue Carver On The Loose In Italy, Part 1

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thanks for visiting martincooney.com

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