alan h's activity

a Cnghale, surely? and did you know - Cinghiale is an anagram of   "Angelic Hi" [surely some mistake there!]   .

Travelling midweek is better for getting through Basel, but if you are stuck with weekends and/or the holiday season and/or Rush Hour you can spend up to 2 hrs queuing through Basel - we did And if the Germans decide to do one of their security checks [which appears to stopping a lot of cars (including all that have 'non-white' travellers in)]  traffic backs up everywhere, including blocking access to the 'French' exits That's why I 'found' the alternative route and posted about it in the old forum.   I reckon that it could take about 15 minutes longer against 'sailing through' Basel [something I've never managed], but on average taking the 'bypass' it will save you some time.  Scenery is a bit better too.  .

I would strongly recommend that you seek out a local Geometra for advice on this matter - He/she will know how to interpret the Commune's rules/requirements, and should be able to advise you on what you can and cannot do  .

I found  this on the web - dated March 2008hi there here is a copy of email I got in reply from Defra about us taking plants to Spain, this email only came in on Wednesday so it is still valid and current and I hope it helps;''Dear xxxxxThe only plants you may not take to Spain from the UK arerhododendron/azaleas, viburnum or camellias (to prevent the spread of aserious fungal disease to which these plants are hosts).You may take as many other plants as you wish, including the soil theyare growing in, without the need for any plant health documentation.Please note that all plants entering another country are subject to'random' inspection to ensure freedom from plant pests and disease.Regards.Paul KilbyDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)Plant Health & Seeds InspectorateGround Floor, Foss House, Kings Pool1-2 Peasholme Green, York, YO10 7PXTelephone: 01904-455188Fax: 01904-455199Email: paul.j.kilby @ defra.gsi.gov.uk ..Its about plants to Spain - but perhaps you could ring him about Italy  ,

"Maybe they allowed you because your son was there."No - a group of us was doing evening classes in Italian - about 10 of us sat in with the kids for the exam If you can't find a school that will allow you to 'sit in' on the exams, I'd suggest you talk to your local Education Department - they should be able to arrange something. This website lists places in Herts that do Italian - try these to see if you can take the exam with them http://hertfordshire.floodlight.co.uk/hertfordshire/courses-classes-lessons/best-italian-courses/qualification/study/region/16180339/220706/100/domain.html  .

Thanks for that Ronald [ a classic example of when I wish we had the old 'grazie!' button]

Yes you can - the old forum had someone on who had 12kW - although 3kW is fine for most peopleYou can upgrade to various levels of supply – it depends on your supplier and his infrastructure [the wires to your house] For more info - I suggest you use the ‘search’ facilty of the ”old place” on;- http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/   There you’ll find such things as http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/cost-living-utility-services/10666-6-kw-how-much-does-really-cost.html  .

No need - Kettle - ditch it and get one to use on your cooker hob - and hopefully that's a gas hobDishwasher - fit a timer is so it only runs between 2 and 5 in the morningHairdryer -  get an Italian one [they do some nice low wattage ones] , and hide the adaptors  or stop using the bl**dy cooker so much!  .

About 3.5 Amps [it says what it is on the adaptor] 3.5 amps equals about 800 Watts - add up the amounts given on the labels on the various equipment  

I did get the gas put on at my house on my own - with appalling Italian Went to the gas office - nobody spoke English so conversation went something like me - Ho una casa in XXXX  [name of village nearby where house is]me - vorrei Metanothem -  nuova or transferro?  me - nuovo [It was a new supply, rather than transfer of account]them - OK  andiamo a la casa! and off we went to my place, where he hit the gatepost with his hand a to show where the meter would be fitted. Then back to the office -  cheque for about 200 Euros - gas supply and meter installed 1 week later