Gala Placidia's activity

Questions Asked

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.

Thu, 02/09/2012 - 03:10

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

Answer to: Catching up...
Wed, 05/20/2009 - 08:42

Hi Andrew and Jean and welcome to the new community. We all look forward to hearing more from you.

Answer to: Ciao
Wed, 05/20/2009 - 08:39

Hi, szq, and welcome to the community. You say that the old forum had useful information for you, but, after living in Italy for more than a year now, I am sure that you can teach us plenty through your own experience. So don't be shy and share it with us. We all look forward to hearing more from you.

Answer to: Kiwi Fruit
Wed, 05/20/2009 - 08:32

Look at the positive side, you will have plenty of fresh Vitamin C available. Now, concerning the smell I really don't know what you can do..... ;)

Answer to: Kiwi Fruit
Wed, 05/20/2009 - 03:58

Kiwi vines "Actinidia deliciosa" can grow an average of 10' a year and can reach up to 30 metres, but they have to be pruned regularly to keep under control and to produce more fruit. You can have up to 4 female plants for 1 male, the male vine does not produce fruit, it only polinates the female ones. A 15 to 20' separation between plants is advisable. Usually, trellises are about 7' high but ask your neighbour as he certainly knows what he is doing.

Wed, 05/20/2009 - 03:23

I was about to write to him when I heard about the sad news, We had been corresponding quite a bit lately regarding the "coperti abruzzese", regional textiles and also his other research on Russian Opera. I also wrote to him when the earthquake happened to see ho he was managing.A very sad loss as he also had great plans for Abruzzo and the coperti he was collecting. In his last PM to me he sent me a photograph of a new style he had found which copied lace motifs from the area.May he rest in peace and my sympathy to all those who cared about him.

Tue, 05/19/2009 - 17:41

The "piazza" is filling up quickly. Great to see you around as well, Sally.

Answer to: Hi to All
Tue, 05/19/2009 - 16:59

Great to be able to meet you again here Geotherm/Badger. Your posts were always informative and a great contribution to the old forum.

Answer to: Made it
Tue, 05/19/2009 - 16:48

Hi Brian and welcome, you will certainly enjoy this community. If you have not found your dream home, keep on looking for it as it takes some time. Good luck!

Answer to: Made It!!
Tue, 05/19/2009 - 16:43

It is great to see that so many are managing to make their way here, Jenni. We all need some time to get used to the new format, but, if I can do it, anyone can.

Tue, 05/19/2009 - 16:18

A good tip by alan h. The open top bus tour is a good orientation.Milan is a very expensive city and cheap, well located hotels are very scarce. I have written down an address recommended to one of my daughters as it is a very reasonably priced hotel near the Duomo. It is called Hotel Nuovo and it is located at Piazza Beccaria 6. Tel: +390286464444. I do not know whether they have a website.Restaurants are also expensive, it is a matter of looking around for tourist menus, etc.