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
We always park at the Santa Maria Novella parking. Not cheap, but very handy and we always find a spot there.Â
Yes, in our case, the bank was also very helpful.
Plumbago auriculata is a resilient plant. It grows very well in the ground. I would leave it where it is. Do not overwater it.
I used to grow Mandevillas in Australia, but the climate, where I lived, was totally different and it would flower during most of the year. Mandevillas do not like cold weather and quite possibly they became dormant; however, they should be having new shoots by now.
Careful! Last year they made some slight changes. We saw that in our case. Two years ago, we submitted new planimetry and had records modified, as the previous owner had carried out renovations which had not been reported. The first year, we expected some changes in the category and this happened. This year, we only expected a further increase in the "rendita cadastale", but we also got an adjustment of category. We were told that we could challenge the decision, but the difference does not warrant it. Besides, the Comune needs the extra revenue....
It has not been that complicated before; however, in the case of Bagni di Lucc and due to the recent elections, the previous council did not leave a clear percentage to use and it may be modified for the second semester. For this reason, you can only pay the first semester rates and adjust them when the second one is due. We hope that next year things will go back to normal and I also expect some changes in the procedure.
I think that it all depends on the type of facilities  and  lservice offered. A difficult comparison. Some B & B start looking more like 4 and 5 star hotels. There is also apartment letting, even for short stays, which is our preferred option, and prices are reasonable.
Twentyknots, you need your "rendita catastale", which appears on the"visura", not the cadastral value. THere is a lady called Fina, in a little office near the Tourist Office, on the main street, who can help. Ask at the Tourist Office and they will tell you. This year it is quite complicated. It is better to seek help, even if you have to pay a small amount. She may be able to advise you regarding your fine for not paying last year's ICI.
Great information, Penny. Thanks.
Congratulations, Jill!!! Well done!!!!