alan h's activity

Calais, Metz, Nancy, Mulhouse, into Germany to avoid Basle (Lorrach route), Lucerne  then Gotthard Tunnel.   Then down West side of Lake Maggiore to Gravelona Tocce.  Covid test in Brissago, just before Italian border.

Have just travelled down to Piemonte from UK by car.  Thought you might like to know how it went.

1.  Arrived at Eurotunnel - hadn't uploaded paperwork, (too old and 8yr old granddaughter was too busy to do it for me).  Told to go to Document Verification desk, to check we had the correct hard copies of the necessary documents.   When there, we were asked if we had our Covid Pass certificates and our signed copies of the Declarstion d'Honour, for entering France.   We said we had, and waved the paperwork.  It wasn't checked at all, but we were given the Boarding Tag for the car.

2.  Entry to France - NO CHECKS

3.  French Hotel- Covid Pass scanned- all OK 

4.  Entry to Germsny - NO CHECKS 

5.  Entry to Swizerland (Basle by-pass route) - NO CHECKS 

6.  Swiss Hotel.  Tried to scan our Covid Passes (3 different versions, including App) - None would register.  Hotel staff said, don't worry, you obviously have been vaccinated", so you can stay.

7   Getting Covid Test for entering Italy  - test went OK- took about an hour.  Swiss pharmacist couldn't understand why anyone double jabbed needs a test to enter Italy.

7.  Entry into Italy - NO CHECKS. (NO staff at border post)

So, in essence, if , whatever state of Covid Status you have or don't have, you've an even chance of getting to Italy with no proper checks  if you drive.

(I did have all paperwork required - of course)

Haven't used the Frejus Tinnel route, but have used the Simplon Pass route as it puts us in the right part of Northern Italy.  Lovely route, especially in Summer, but Pass is open all year round.

In theory, if you spend less than 36hrs in Switzerland, you don't need any paperwork, but as the entry form is short and simple it's probably best to take paper copies (separate ones for outward and return journey).

Similarly, if you do my Basle by-pass route, the same applies for Germany.

I'm getting my entry test for Italy in Switzerland, as I do  two hotel stopovers on the way, so can't do a 48hr test in the UK before we set off.

Remember, also, you need the UK Passenger Locator Form  for your return

You also need the EU Passenger Locator Form for entry into Italy.

If you are driving down, depending on which countries you travel through, there other requirements . 

You could try Groupama

Government website says you need  a Passenger Locator Form and a Covid Test Certificate (less than 48 hours old).

Gluten free eating out in Italy 

https://savouritalytours.com/italy-gluten-free-dream-country/

Air in Radiators

As you live in the top flat, air in the system will always tend to collect in your radiators. 

I'd suggest that you bleed them every day, rather than waiting for the air to build up in them - bit of a pain, I know, but at least that should get them working more efficiently.

One other thing, if there is a lot of air in the rads, it could indicate a fault in the system, allowing air to enter it.  This is often the pump(s).  If they are old/worn, or under sized for the job, that could be a major cause.  Raise that with the porter when you speak to him.  Check the servicing frequency for the system with him.

Good luck

Plus charges for gas, water  and electrics - even when the place is empty (Standing Charges). Plus annual  gas boiler service charge (mandatory).