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
I am sure that you will be able to sort it out. We had a similar problem when we purchased our property some 5 years ago. My husband, a retired architect, immediately realised that the property description on the owner's title did notshow a series of improvements and changes of use done over the time. We consulted with Council, had a discussion with the owner and his geometra, got a price reduction and then we submitted new planimetry. Yes, it costed a bit of money and effort. But now, everything is fine and we are all happy. So do not worry and spend sleepless nights over the issue.
Check with TIM dealer the possibility of a HUAWAI wifi modem, with a SIM card. I used it for my tablet in Italy . You purchase it at a very reasonable price - from memory about €80 and you can have flexibility about contracts or pay as you go.   Â
Thank you, Fred. Still getting used to this tablet... I meant less than 500, but as you rightly said it is 435 to be exact.
Thank you for the information, Penny. I do hope that they will sort out the system for next year. Right nownit is too confusing. Fingers crossed!
Well said, Ram. And I would add wearing socks and sandals.... All societies have their "set of rules" according to the circles in which one moves. That does not mean that all people - even within those circles - have to comply with them. If you don't like pasta, don't  eat it. If you prefer a macchiato to a espresso, choose the one you prefer. It is not necessary to start drinking Bellini the moment you go across the border. The French have an excellent expression to describe what I mean: "savoir faire" Â
It is a pity that you did not consult this site earlier. There is a wealth of information if you write "health cover" at the top of the page, your right hand side, and press the "search" button. One of our members, Penny, has become an expert on the topic. Â You will also find lots of information on many other topics as well. And if you do not find what you want, simply ask a question. There are many helpful and knowledgeable members. In anny case, I hope that you will enjoy Italy and this Community. Welcome!
Esme, it must be the Christmas Spirit, but I have decided to park my "ignore list". At least for the time being... You could also park your "agent provocateur" role. And Happy Christmas to you, too.
Generalizations are always dangerous and untrue Basically, we are all individuals and act accordingly. Some people adapt better than others to different environments. Others, will always be foreigners. And also not all ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs live and behave the same.Â
Esme... you are the real expert at being expelled... And your bitterness has deprived you from any sense of humour. Can't you sense when something is said tongue in cheek?
Perhaps your friend drinks a macchiato, instead of an espresso. That is what I usually drink after 11:00. Except after a good lunch and then I love a good espresso. Â And I find your last comment really daft. We are not talking about welfare, charity or world hunger on this thread.Â