The city of Lucca has always been my favourite. Not only because it is only 25 minutes away from our home and I go there at least two or three times a week, but also because you do not feel like a "tourist" there.
Gala Placidia's activity
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In this icy cold weather, hot drinks and comfort foods are a must. Preparing and consuming them are good ways to spend time when we cannot venture outdoors.
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 06:10
The cold weather is affecting most of Italy and creating difficulties concerning energy supplies. Russia, the most important supplier, has been reducing the provision of gas up to 30% due to increasing demand in their area.
Tue, 02/07/2012 - 02:22
The San Francisco Chronicle publishes today this most interesting article:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 12:45
Whenever we are in Italy, we love to visit antique and vintage markets and fairs, looking for that special piece that we would love to have. Sometimes, we find it...
Wed, 02/01/2012 - 02:47
One of my favourite activities in Italy is to visit those markets that sell antique and vintage items.
Tue, 01/31/2012 - 06:38
Some members may have noticed that I have been fairly quiet for the past month and a half. The reason for this was that we have been visiting our daughters who live in San Francisco (CA).
Fri, 01/20/2012 - 02:59
The new Italian government has been announced and it is obvious that we will have a fight between technocrats and politicians.
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 14:24
A lot has been written about the dangers of overheating Teflon coated cookware. Toxic fumes can be extremely dangerous for our health. Personally, I have never liked that type of cookware and I do not buy it anymore.
Sat, 10/29/2011 - 06:24
In another thread, we were discussing Tuscan herbs and "funghi porcini". Tuscany is a paradise for herb lovers and many varieties, such as rosemary, sage and "nipitella" grow wild.
Thu, 10/27/2011 - 11:23
Comments posted
And when you get your right granted, you should ask to have representatives in Parliament that will look after your rights. It's nothing new. Other countries have them https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/files/Diasporas_Represented_in_their_Home_Country_Parliaments.pdf
This covers quite a few questions you may have http://www.italiandualcitizenship.com/id50.htmP.S. Sorry, I had a foreign keyboard on...
Here is the information http://www1.agenziaentrate.gov.it/english/italian_taxation/tax_code.htmif you are outside Italy, through your nearest Italian Consulate. In Italy through the Agenzia Delle Entrate (Taxation Office)
Hi Jeannie, putting aside British humour, it is very hard to recommend international movers as it is not the same company who takes care of the whole process from start to end. They are experts in logistics and subcontract services as needed. So it is a bit of pot luck. On the other hand, you can protect yourself by following this sound advice https://www.fidi.org/moving-abroad/tips-smooth-move/how-choose-international-moving-companymy personal advice is to ask for several quotes and remember that the cheapest may not necessarily be the best.Good luck and welcome to beautiful Northern Tuscany. Good choice!
I am afraid that counting on government help in the case of earthquake largely depends on where you live. I have friends who had damages arising from l'Aquila's earthquake and who are still waiting for compensation, not to mention the time taken to go back to normal... On the other hand, in Emilia Romagna, the Modena earthquake, the authorities were most efficient in getting things back to normal.landslides are certainly a problem which is prevalent in some areas.The best advice I can give is to carefully select where you buy. Our 17th century mill, is built on bedrock, which is the safest surface to build on when it comes to both earthquakes and landslides. We were there during the Modena earthquake and some neighbors in Bagni di Lucca noticed the tremors.nwe did not realize it had happened until our neighbors told us and we saw it on TV. And certainly, no damage. Across the river, there was a landslide, but it is not bedrock and very unstable. A geologist's report is a good investment before buying.
LL, I meant the MC sofas do not seem to have slipcovers...which was MosmanLynn was mainly asking for.
jAmes, further to what I already said, when we are talking about location, besides personal considerations concerning likes and dislikes, a most important factor to consider is the prevalence of earthquakes. This map will certainly help you https://www.italofile.com/2012/06/03/map-of-italys-earthquake-zones/Earthquake insurance is awfully expensive in Italy and is related to risk zones. If your dream home is damaged by an earthquake, you will consider that the tax issue is peanuts comparing to loosing your home. Not to mention the trauma that can cause. The wise approach is to choose the right area.nyou will find plenty of additional information in the Web.
Yes, Mondo Convenienza is very good and they deliver; however, they do not seem to have slip covers and they do not seem to have online facilities. In any case, you can go and have a look.
Hi, the place that comes to mind immediately is IKEA, which sells online and they have a good selection of slipcover sofas.,they can easily deliver from their Tuscany shop outside Florence. http://www.ikea.com/ms/it_IT/compraonline/
Hi James. You already have experience, but yes, an Italian ruin is not for everybody. My husband reckons that a ruin, unless it is of historical or architectural value is only worth the land it sits on, as in many cases, it would be better to demolish it and start all over again. In most cases, once the roof is gone, the ruin needs underpinnings, which is costly and requires specialists. As for ruins of historical or architectural value, most of them are protected or "vincolatti" and nou need permits and authorizations for everything. And then, there is the seismic requirements, lack of insulation... To name a few....in another post to LL, you ask a few questions. I will give you my opinions. This is a buyer's market, but buy only the best locations. Ugly ducklings do not generally turn into beautiful swans and if they do, it is not free of charge. Always think at the possibility of having to sell it at a certain stage. There are plenty of beautiful regions and towns in Italy, but not all of them will easily resell if needed. There are plenty of old farmhouses and even whole villages, full of charm, which have been abandoned. Furthermore, some abandoned villages have been purchased by foreign investors with plans to turn them into holiday and retirement resorts and they are there... Just crumbling. We have one near Bagni di Lucca and the whole concept, location, etc. seems to be very good and plausible... But it is also slowly crumbling...You need to search a lot, think a lot and find the right place. And then, budget for at least double the amount of the estimates. Only then, you will be able to sip prosecco on your stone loggia and enjoy it.Good luck!