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
Questions Asked
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
Actually, I do have it, Karen; however, I refuse to share it with you and your fan club/alter egos. I do not want Him to be bothered with nuissance calls. End of the thread as far as I am concerned. "Dominus vobiscum. Ite misa est"
Well, there seems to be a bit of confusion at the Vatican. Some of their news give the name as Pope Francis I; however, the latest form of address is "Santo Padre Francesco" (Holy Father Francis) which, in my opinion, is the way the Pope would prefer to be addressed, although I think he would personally prefer to be called plain Father Francis.nIn Argentina, even after been appointed as a cardinal, he always wanted to be called "Padre Jorge" (Father George). Jesuit priests are always called "padre", but I guess that conservative forces within the Vatican would not like that much familiarity....we shall see...
Right, Flip (I should start calling you Thomas), straight from the Vatican
Flip, Brits may do whatever they like, but I am pretty certain that the Vatican has not ruled on that. First, it is also usual to refer to Popes by their family names, i.e Pope Wotjyla (John Paul II), Pope Pacelli (Pius XII), and I can go on for ever. Second, I am almost certain that the late John Paul I was referred to in that manner during his short reign. Third Spain's current King is officially known as Juan Carlos I, and he is the first of his name. The same applied to French King François I. And there is also King Umberto Primo for Italy. I would confidently say that the Catholic Church will more likely follow the same customs adopted by other Latin countries instead of following British customs. So we shall see. No official announcement has been made. Â
Sorry, Flip, but that is not the case. If you look through media announcements, they use the two names, Pope Francis and Pope Francis I. As far as  know, the Vatican has not issued any rulings on the matter. Their Web page only shows a photograph and part of the traditional announcement "Habemus Papam Franciscus", which is then Followed by "Cardinalis Bergoglio, etc, etc". I do not have "privileged" information except for the fact that I do know people who personally know him and they have told me that he is a very humble person who dislikes pomp and ceremony. So we may end up calling him "Father Francis" and I am certain that he may prefer it... although the Vatican establishment may object...
Rickardo, He is known as Franciscus I. And he is a great man, extremely clever, but humble and compassionate. He is going to do great things. The name he has chosen because of both St Francis of Assisi and St Francis Xavier is a sign of change as he has broken with tradition. I have spoken with people who know him personally and we can expect quite a few changes.
I agree with what has been said, unless you are absolutely certain that you are going to reside in Italy for more than 183 days in the year, it is not worth the trouble to save some money on the purchase tax.
We pay by direct debit through our bank account and we are not residents... We have been doing this for more than 5 years now. I don't think that there is any restriction regarding direct debit and we always do this providing that the payee accepts it. I do not know whether the Post Office account allows for this as we are not with them. We possibly pay more in account fees and charges, but service wise it is an advantage, particularly when you are not a permanent resident.
Rachel, early autumn is the best time of the year for planting olive trees. I would wait a few months.
And now, if anyone had any doubts, look at the latest on the other character I doubt that he will go to jail. My main worry is why he got voted in... ½ûÂþÌìÌÃi, aprite gli occhi!!!!!!