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
 A long time ago, I used to grow the slips of sweet potatoes for decoration purposes only. It is very easy to grow those slips which are required to grow the plant. Just a bit of water.... and bingo! It is a good idea to try to get "organic" sweet potatoes if you can. Perhaps the little fruit shop downtown at Bagni di Lucca may have some, Gromit. Sorry, cannot help in your area Dylano.
 Thanks Anne, you just answered Rosko's question. I was not commenting on Angie's post as I would have quoted it. It is common knowledge that personal attacks and bullying were rampant in the old Forum making it very difficult for anyone who tried to be a bit of a peacemaker (and some of us tried really hard). Now, here is a question, which may stir up things even further: Why is it that those who caused so much trouble still try to come back to this community, under disguise of course, and we prefer to ignore them? Live and let live!
 QUOTE "What's the ½ûÂþÌìÌà equivalent of nom de plume?" UNQUOTE Answering Fromnowon's question in the previous page, I think it would be pseudonimo. Perhaps Valentina could confirm. Regarding the main topic, to have fun is great and a good discussion is excellent; however, personal attacks and bullying should not be allowed. This is what destroyed the old forum and I can assure you that there were moments when there was no fun in reading it.
 I understand that ENEL does not deal with clients over the counter. They want everyone to contact them via telephone or email. Here are the details: There is also a telephone number if you are calling from overseas. Otherwise, I found an address for ENEL - Lucca at Viale S. Concordio 81. Perhaps this is the one mentioned by Gromit. Good luck!
 The lowest quote may not necessarily be the best one in the end. Check the local reputation of the different suppliers. Good luck!Â
 Ram´s advice is perfect. A simple private document may keep things clear. And the signing over a glass of wine is very appropriate. You don't want to have problems with neighbours and end up before a tribunal.
 Quite an interesting discussion, but then, the community is made by the input of its members. Some friendly discussion and humour would be welcome by most. Who is going to start those interesting threads?
 If we have a look at history, neither immigration, nor emigration are strange to Italy. From ancient times, Italy has been systematically invaded by people coming from other nations. And they have survived and enriched their own culture in the process. In tough economic times, the new immigrant is always regarded as a danger and a scape goat. This is nothing new and people tend to ignore history. Anyway, Italy - and ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs - will survive.
 I think that this is an excellent combination and a very civilised one. More in line with the 21st Century than the usual separate bidet and toilet. It also saves on space. Have a look:
 Well, at least some justice has been done although lecturers should not receive this sort of treatment. On the bright side, they got the support from the EU and with the new reforms taking place in universities it will be difficult to repeat this sort of unfair treatment. Fingers crossed!