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
 I am afraid that you will not find health insurance for about 300 euros yearly. The figure of 800-900 sounds more realistic. I do hope that someone may come up with a lower rate. Please let us know.
 Good tip, Cinghiale. Thank you. I don;t think that we have been there, but we will try it next time. Sounds very interesting and usually these are the best places to eat. And I do love home-made "gnochi" Yummy!!!!
 No, Cinghiale, I still have a lot to learn; however, we go quite frequently to Lerici whenever we are in Bagni. My husband loves the place. For this reason, I know a bit about that area and I am happy to share the information.
The golf club is called "Marigola " and you may find some information at
 I think that it may be much easier to go from Florence to Lucca by train on a day trip. There are a couple of trains at least every hour from Santa Maria Novella and the train station at Lucca is centrally located near the San Pietro gate which is one of the main entrances into the old town. The train trip takes only about an hour.On the other hand, if you are driving, I would do Verona and Bologna on the planned two day trip. Bologna is a wonderful city, worth a visit as well and it would be on your way back to Florence.Â
Serge, thanks for the information. Very interesting.Â
Hello Allanhu and welcome. Best wishes regarding your plans.Â
 You are right, it could be better if we had "My Unread posts" just below "My Unread Group Posts", on the right hand side.
 I understand that olive trees should not be fed. On the other hand they do need to be watered regularly.  But please keep us informed about the progress that your plants are making.
Welcome Vince, enjoy life and keep us posted.Â