½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

As I understand it and I am no expert I use my comersialista for tax advice, tax is payable in Italy on your worldwide income, meaning that money earned overseas is also considered if the individual meets the test of a permanent resident in Italy. I can assume then that Chris is exempt from this?

Sprostoni is right re government pensions, despite being resident in Italy, both my government pensions are taxed in the UK.

I was saving this until the morning to answer Joy, but Sebastianos reply has covered most of what I wanted to say!. The check list is very important, you will never meet everything but its important to to know the requirements you as a couple want. Isolation with wonderful views is great for a holiday but if living here full time very difficult in the winter, when it could be an hours drive to get a pint of milk, or to meet anyone else. I think our compromise was not to live closer to the mountains, between them and the sea has proved to be much the better option. Plus whilst we are in the countryside the village with bars, a pizzaria and a small supermarket, are only 10mins walk away. I think the message has always been research your area, and see that it can provide what you realistically want, and until your ½ûÂþÌìÌà is better (when will that be!) perhaps an area with some ex-pats for conversation and support.

Whilst I appreciate there is much to learn about our adopted country, this seems a somewhat gloomy view of life in Italy, and it is not my experience of ½ûÂþÌìÌà friends and neighbours, who have always been helpful and supportive. I cannot really comment on France or Spain, but having read the article it is possible to see that the Spanish may resent the influx of ex-pats living in illegal homes, especially if no effort is made to learn the language or to become involved in the local community.????. But an interesting topic for debate.

I would suggest you contact prof. Giuseppe Milozzi, an expert in the Marche region, but whom I am sure would also have information on Emilia Romagna. email: info@casadellamemoria.org.......Giuseppe speaks fluent English, hope this helps.

Open this afternoon 3-5, come and cool off in the Palazzo Monti (next to the health food shop)

You have a point Keith, and it may be OK for others, but Skype always reminds me of the days of long distance calls with that gap between conversation and it drives me more crackers. I need a support group for mastering my blackberry !. Sorry Karen off thread.

Thanks Karen, but am advised all other routes have Winter schedule published already. This also seems to affect Pescara.

As an aside to Sprostoni re price of phone calls, a Sisal card will buy you 120plus mins of calls from a landline in Italy to the rest of Europe and Canada / America, just a thought. 

I still think this site is  relevent, its changed, but at least now people can post without ridicule,and looking around other Italy sites, this has input from people whoes knowledge I trust. re FB and peoples dislike, it doesnt work for everyone, but its great to organise a party at short notice!, and to keep in touch with friends who still dont have a phone connection here in Italy....oh and to send photos , and to keep in touch with others who still might feel isolated after having made the big move to live abroad.