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
Totally wrong! The thread that was the cause of the problem was originated by Ani-Boo (a new member) and the topic was an ½ûÂþÌìÌà heritance. It was then forwarded by her to the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Inheritance Law Group, which has 43 members, as suggested by the Group's manager, Charlotte Oliver as she said on Fillide's thread. I have not discussed anything with Charlotte, who is a most valued member of this Community, but I am absolutely certain that her suggestion was in order to have all relevant threads under the group's heading. Nothing sinister, no plotting. All very sensible and normal. Certainly, this does not go along with your "group"'s line of disruptive thinking. But then, we are not the type of members who get banned and come back under different identities. We do not need to do that. Do you get the message Flip, formerly known as Gromit? Â
In general, it is a good idea to ascertain the holiday letting in your area and to have people that you can rely upon for cleaning, etc. The rest, as it has been said, depends on your particular comune. Whether it is convenient or not to let depends on a variety of factors. We have never rented out our home in Italy because of personal reasons, but other people do it very successfully. GOod luck!
Yes, Ms Belsito, it is dfficult to understand certain messages and threads when you have just joined. But I am convinced that, in the case of Fillide, it was a misunderstanding due to a thread that was transferred to a group with restricted membership (you have to apply and be confirmed by the person who created that particular group). Because I belong to it, I can fully understand what happened. It was nobody's fault and I do hope that FIllide will return in due time.
Sorry, but you are misinterpreting Fillide's words. It was a reference to a thread on inheritance that was public originally and later on it was edited and transferred to a group. See Charlotte Oliver's reply on the same thread. I think that Fillide also misunderstood what had happened.
I believe that only the Administration can ban a member. As far as I know, there are no Moderators in the Community and even in the old Forum I do not think that they were able to do that. I think that they could only edit posts. Concerning Fillide, it was FIllide,s decision to leave and the goodbye post mentioned unsatisfaction with the current state of the Community. It is a member's privilege and I do hope that it will be a temporary "leave of absence" as Fillide is a valued member of the Community.  In any case, these two matters have nothing in common. It should be remembered that this space is part of a site run by a business and that the Adminitration can decide whatever they want. We, as members, are their guests, we do not own the site. Derogatory or detrimental posts are not going to be in the interest of a business promoting Italy. And, it is my understanding that this has been the spirit behind the banning of that particular member.
This Community's motto: "For lovers of all things ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ" says it all. He really hates Italy. He does not have a place here. All his messages were poisonous. I am really glad that he is gone. Thank you Admin!
People going back or establishing themselves in rural areas bring back life to places that tend to disappear. It is a positive move for all concerned. Big cities, or even foreign countries may not be the solution for everyone. And definitely, there are "niche" markets for anyone with a vision and the will to succeed.
As usual, Penny, 10 out of 10. Well done!
If they are living in Beausoleil they are not farmers or unemployed people. It is extremely expensive to live there. I know very well the area. And there are always ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs on the French Riviera, as there are Spaniards in the Languedoc-Roussillon or Biarritz areas...Â
Yes, and they are going to get a great job in London, Berlin and Monaco! And what about housing and cost of living? Out of touch with reality....