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:
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 ½ûÂþÌìÌà 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
 The neckties that you find at the San Lorenzo markets are generally made in China copying ½ûÂþÌìÌà design. Here is a long list of Chinese manufacturers: This is the reason why those ties are much cheaper than the genuine ½ûÂþÌìÌà ones. If you want the authentic ½ûÂþÌìÌà tie, contact Andrew's friend.
 This one seems to be more difficult. I haven't been able to find a manufacturer called "Castello" although there are plenty of manufacturers of men's and ladie's clothing in the city of Castello: Otherwise, try to contact the Commercial Attaché at the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Embassy. They may be able to help.
 This one was easy. They have a website in English. Good luck from a fellow Aussie!
 Rosko, diversions will always happen, in any thread, not this one in particular. Valentina has summed it up perfectly well. And I fully agree with Mrs D.... I had enough and it's time to move on.
 Even if you grow the sweet potatoes in just some water to get roots and foliage it will be easy to obtain slips. They grow very well indoors during winter and the foliage is beautiful. You can do hanging plants with them as I used to do. Everyone was very surprised when they were told that they were sweet potatoes.....
 La "transumanza" from the Latin words "tras" (through) and "humus" (land or soil) is an ancient practice and it is interesting to point out that the same word, or almost, is used in several European languages: "transhumance"(in English), "trashumancia" (in Spanish), "transhumance" (in French) and so on. Shepperds had special rights granted by the authorities to get their sheep through cities and on main roads and some of these crossings are still practiced, more as a ceremony than anything else. I think that one of the best known in Europe is when shepperds take their sheep up to the very centre of Madrid through the old "camino real" or Royal Road. I am sure that there will be some similar old ceremony in Italy, but I do not know where. As people become more interested in old customs and traditions y think that it is an excellent opportunity for some special interest tours. Very good article, Anne. Thanks
 Rosko, I do not see any de-stabilising by the comments made here. All what I see are mere explanations of what caused the demise of the old forum and the formation of the new community. And this for the benefit of genuine new members who may ignore what caused this situation; however, I have the feeling that there are many old members, particularly beligerant ones, under the cover of a new pseudonim. This has always happened in the past and will possibly keep on happening in the future. Thank you, Fenicella, I know that very few want to follow my advice. That is the problem when you are a peacemaker. Your pseudonim and avatar are self-explanatory. The phoenix reborn..... Oh gosh, not again....
 I have to disagree with you, Fillide, sweet potatoes are not too difficult to peel. A sharp peeler is all what you need. They discolour very quickly, so peel them at the last minute. They are absolutely delicious roasted particularly with lamb or turkey, but basically with any roast, adding lots a flavour. Sweet-potatoes are extremely rich in beta-carotene and excellent for nutrition. There are more recipes, including a delicious pudding that can be made and preserved in sirop they taste like "marron-glacé" or glazed chestnuts. It is a plant related to the "morning glory" family, so it is extremely easy to grow. The only problem is to find some good source of organic sweet-potatoes to start the slips.
 Self-moderation is the key word, it has been said many times...
 Gromit is right. Healthcare benefits can be obtained more easily if one member of the couple is an ½ûÂþÌìÌà citizen and if you are both under the age of 65. It is important for the ½ûÂþÌìÌà citizen to declare that the non-½ûÂþÌìÌà husband or wife is a dependant if he/she is not working.