Hi there

Where do I begin.................We find ourselves exactly where we didn't expect to or want to be.  In May last year we signed in front of the notaio for our beautiful plot of land which comprises 7500 sq metres of agricultural land with a small rustico on it.  Our plans are to build a new house on one part of the land (building permit to be released in 2 weeks) and at some future stage restore the rustico.  We used an italian lawyer as we wanted to make sure every i was dotted and t crossed.  So far so good...............

A chance for celebration for us, 5 years of living in Italy. After dubious builders, stalled building work, no kitchen sink for weeks, and some ill health, we are delighted to be settled happy and in a country that is home.

We have met some strange and interesting people along the way, had sleepless nights, but would not have changed the experience....well perhaps some of it is best forgotten,

I continue to be charmed by my neighbours and friends in our village, integrated, probably not, but accepted , yes.

I wish others luck in their search.

With all the serious posts around at the moment Cost of this, Dangers of that, how much is this going to cost me  and should I rewire my house etc (no disrespect intended to any poster); but I though we should lighten up the discussions with a very important topic (well to me anyway) of  Aperitivo.... what is the favored tipple; a nice glass of Prosecco, Campari and Soda, cool beer.....I must say I'm a Campari man myself with a splash of tonic and slice of Orange.

I know pv has been covered extensively in the past, but I thought that it may be helpful to post the current numbers and maths that are being advertised here. (Sardinia). This is for a carport installation roofed by 3kw of pv panels. Includes all labour costs, taxes etc. Numbers are based on the current annual feed in tariff (vis a viz expected generation), interest costs and expected energy saving and are only applicable to those who have Italian residency.

Cost of carport: €2,500

This has to be paid upfront and is not part of the bank finance deal.

We would love to go walking/hiking in the Sibillinis when we next visit Le Marche in April but our problem seems to be that we can never find where you can readily access the mountains on foot.

We even visited the Sibillini tourist office to get some tips but to no avail albeit it wasnt formally open when we visited.

I guess what we are after is a gude as to where you can park up and join a trail as they have managed to elude us so far!