There was a plane about to crash. On board were Barack Obama, Silvio Berlusconi, the Pope and a child. Unfortunately there were only three parachutes.

Obama grabs one. "I'm the most powerful man in the world. I'm outa here" he says as he jumps out the door.

Berlusconi grabs one. "I'm the most intelligent man in the world. Arrivederci" he says as he jumps.

The Pope looks sadly at the child and says "I am old my child. You take the last one and live a good catholic life".

Hi,

Wonder if anyone can tell me if someone resident and working in Italy, who was exempt form charges due to a thyroid condition when in the u.k would also get free prescriptions in the Italian system? Oh, and what about the contraceptive pill- Is that free too?

Thanks,

Rendin

 Hi.

  In about three years time, my wife and I intend to retire. We have fallen in love with Sant' Agnello, near Sorrento. We have been there eight or nine times, and have some friends there.

  What I need to know is, can we rent, or lease an apartment long term? If so, can you recomend an agent.

  Whilst I was there a few weeks ago, I visited the local Immobiliari for some advice, but they thought I was after a holiday apartment, they could not understand that I want an apartment long term. 

We've just joined and wondered if anyone needs a caravan for use while building, or as a useful spare room?  It is sitting in the field behind our house in Lunigiana but needs a new home now.  We lived in it whenever we were in Italy over a three year build, winters and summers, rain and shine.  It is a Dethleffs caravan, 1986 and belonged to a Swiss family who holidayed with it every year (stickers on the door tell the story).  It's in good condition for its age, dry, clean and cosy and definitely habitable for one or two people.

We will be spending a few days at the Campogrande bed and breakfast in Citta della Pieve in August. Does anyone know the area well and have any tips for villages to visit or local trattorie?

Charlotte