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
Yes, you are right Karen. "Intonaco" is the plaster layer that will be applied.
Rendo, proper insulation is most important, both in summer and in winter. Insulation is not only for the roof, duble-glazed PVC windows are fabulous. Expensive, yes, but they would save you money in the long run. Study your house and have a close look at those areas that will loose energy due to lack of insulation, drafts and other incidentals. Also Googlr "isolamento termico sottotetto" and you will find plenty of information and names of specialists. Our house dates back to the 17th C, has thick stone walls and a tiled roof and it is located directly over a river. We have managed to make it energy efficient. Our mains gas central heating warms it up in only 20 minutes. OUr energy bills are very reasonable and the house is cool in summer. You can install the best heating system in the world and the most appropriate for your house; however, without proper insulation, you are only wasting energy.
Yes, there is a register. your local vet would be able to help.
Thank you, Ram, for the information.
Perhapsnit is not as easy to find furniture shops in some areas of Italy; however, there is an increasing number of online stores that deliver throughout Italy, such as You can also Google "mobili online" and you will find plenty of offers. I have not used any of these companies, but perhaps others have done it and may give personal advice.
Rendo, whichever system you finally choose, remember that proper insulation is vital to ensure efficiency and make your house confortable throughout the year. Yoou will find that heating with gas bottles is extremely expensive and inconvenient.
Hello and welcome! The Garfagnana area is beautiful. We are in Bagni di Lucca, although we do not live permanently there. Best wishes regarding your renovations. Generally, it is a lot of work, but a very rewarding one.
You have done a wonderful thing for those puppies. Here is a link where you may be able to get some help Best wishes
Well done! Hopefully, Maremma will get used to it. Keep us posted.