I became a pensioner in March and have had to use the health service here for the first time recently. I am registered as resident in Le Marche and wonder how I stand re prescriptione etc. I have had 1 prescription whcih I have paid for (€3,85 - much less than the UK) and some blood tests which I have been told I will have to pay for when I get the results. I don't mind paying if this is the norm for people like myself here but wonder if my Doctor has not cottoned onto the fact that I'm now 60 etc. Any info?

I am hoping to install wireless broadband at my house near Gualdo, Marche.

Can someone provide me with a point of contact (english speaking) and telephone number (or email address) for Fidoka. Alternatively if you have an address I can visit in person.

Thanks in anticiation.

Buon Natale e un Felice Anno Nuovo.

Hope everyone has a good Christmas with plenty of good food, good company and presents; wether you're celebrating in Italy or elsewhere.

Flip.

I promised a report on the 4.6Kw PV solar car port a few months ago. The full year isn't quite up yet but the results are now pretty clear. Generally it's a thumbs up and the bottom line is that there is enough to pay the bank and wipe out electricity bills. I have put a more detailed description on the latest issue of  'Heating News' on the front page of www.heatingitaly.com along with a graph showing how much actual cash the production meter produced each month.

Can he keep on surviving on less than a handful of votes? Will the opposition manage to unite?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40653653/ns/world_news-europe/

What is clear is that Italy does not need a political crisis right now. What do you think?