Flip's activity

We were evacuated that night as we live close to Barga. It transpired that the message to Evacuate was misinterpreted by someone in the Civil Protection in Lucca, who gave out the order to Evacuate all villages in the Lower Garfagnana area, it was not until after 2.00a.m. that we were told that maybe it was a false alarm, but overall most thought it better to be safe than sorry. Definitely a case of Damned if you do, Damned if you don't....

Thanks Esme, but the Bagni Di Lucca area seems to suffer from an excess of 'well meaning' people, that are basically flogging a dead horse. Many of the shop keepers here have tried over the years to make a go of the town and put on Music/Entertainment shows, the majority of which have now ended as the old guard in the town (the Ladies who Cappuccino as we call them) see many Arts and Entertainment events a blight on their tranquil existence and by hook or crook get things their way. Examples of which are Gastronomic Event linked with Music blown out of the water and a good second hand shop closed due to ''it didn't fit'' attitude. As well meaning as the Art Community is and it has the backing of the Mayor, I'm afraid apathy and transient dogooders aside, it will struggle to make a success.

Security Systems around where we live seem to be all Canine, and the more area you have the more and bigger dogs you get....seems to work though not heard of any break ins or burglaries in years.

The Artists who do exhibit at this type of event are not to every ones taste; but what is Art to some is childish scribbles/chisels to others, but each to his/her own. Art should generate discussion and so, I am all in favour of something though that breathes life into a somewhat dreary, stuck in the past, overrated town. It will have to fight to survive in Bagni as the established order, in my opinion, are not keen to see the Arty community thrive, and with no permanent Gallery (not counting the one where you have to make an appointment to view the works) I fear that this will be far from a great success. I hope I am proved wrong.

Hope it will be better than the offering last year....very disappointing and far from exciting.

Yes Emma Bonino, looks to be a good bet, and seems very savvy of Italian Politics. Lets hope though with a name very similar to a well know Canine Biscuit, she doesn't make a Dogs Dinner of the job.

Expect to pay about €1000 to insure a small car from the first year; plus when you buy a car you will have to pay about €500 to get the paperwork notarized.

Gala 'They' did vote with their brains, it was the stupid who voted for the lies of the PDL and the ones scared of change that voted for the PD. If 'They' have to vote again I think the numbers will way heavier to the 5 Stelle as most realise now, that they are the ones who WILL change everything and not just slip back into the old, corrupt and wasteful Governments of the past.

The bigger picture though needs to have the Italian Constitution changed to allow a non party system to perform. This change in the Law will never be sanctioned as the 'Perks' of being in the Upper or Lower houses will not be given up easily by the Members; and this type of non party Government (not a Coalition) has no other Countries in the World to base it's success or failure on unless it is a single Party.

Depending on where in Tuscany you are, I have can't really point you in the direction of specific Chickens, although most owners tend to have a black Livornese or Valdarno in their flocks (well at least in our area). Best option I would go for is visit your local pet shop or feed seller and inquire with them. Our local pet shop has flyers with hens/ducks/dogs etc fro sale on display when the season is right. Buona Pasqua a tutti.