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
it was a fantastic match. Spain has a mighty team ( La Roja) and could not be beaten, even if Italy was a worthy oponent. I felt very sorry when i saw the ½ûÂþÌìÌà guys crying after rhe match, particularly Pirlo. but then, I am a Spaniard...
Sorry, but I have to agree with Bunterboy and the others... savings, if any, are not worth the trouble. In any case, good luck!
I really fail to understand your problem, and we have had a house in Bagni for 5 years now. There are large collection bins in many places where you can leave the rubbish when you have to go.
Renovating old buildings is not for everyone. Many have hidden problems which are expensive to solve. Unless you know what you are doing do not buy a ruin. As for location... it is a matter of falling in love with it.
I only had to remove small pieces of plaster in our old stone mill. Plenty of elbow grease and patience. I wish you both.
Have a look at We have used them in the past.
Everyone will be affected by any major problems that the Euro may have. I fully agree with Ram's opinion.
That sounds correct, Belvedere. There has been  an increase. In any case, we feel that this adjustment was going to come sooner or later as property tax in Italy was lower than in other countries. For prima casa it is a bargain.
I am afraid that you are going to have to ask those questions to the people involved in the calculations. "Lordo" means gross or in building terms, the built area against the habitable or nett area.Â
We can't remember the hourly rate at Santa Maria Novella, as it varies according to the length of stay, but a full day will cost you between 20 and 25€