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
I agree with the replies given. I would only add that taxes are calculated on the cadastral value and not the purchase price. For this reason, you may find out that those taxes are substantially less expensive than what you originally thought. I can't see the point in becoming a resident, unless you are going to reside in Italy during most of the year.
Sorry Mangosteen, but your problem seems to be totally personal and should be solved between your husband and yourself. Just talk to him and find out why he does not want to register your marriage. I do not think that you need to get the ½ûÂþÌìÌà consulates or anyone else involved in this. It is not my intention to sound unhelpful, but you two are the ones who have to sort this out. You - not the consulate employees - must have a strong relationship with your husband, one where everything can be discussed and not hidden. That is what marriage is all about. In any case, I wish you the best.
Great to hear a positive comment.
Ooops! I wrote a reply a couple of days ago, but I do not know where it went... Anyway, the only ones who are going to be able to answer your question are the people from the nearest ½ûÂþÌìÌà Consulate. Technically, it is compulsory to inform the Civil Registry of any changes in your status; however, many people do not do it at all. Your husband needs to be registered with the relevant Consulate in order to do any registration as he is the ½ûÂþÌìÌà citizen.
Oh! I forgot to mention the other version of the problem. The ones who finally leave their parent's home but come back regularly (and I mean several times a week) to have lunch or dinner with them, bring a bag of dirty clothes to be washed and ironed and several plastic containers to bring ready meals to their new apartments whenever they do not feel like sharing the table with the parents.... It is happening all the time. Some mothers are threatening to go on strike!!!!
I feel so sorry for you. It is a real nightmare. The geometra is using "mafia" methods. I do hope that the Carabinieri will be able to convince him that this is not the way to behave.
In Spain, we have a few similar problems. Grown up kids do not want to live the parents' nest as their lives are great and they see no need to move away from home. It would be understandable in the case of unemployment or personal problems; however, the number of adult children who refuse to leave home simply because of selfish reasons is increasing.... Perhaps over-protective mammas should be blamed as well.
Let's hope that they will hurry up now. How is your health after the lung infection?
On the other hand, I see it as a positive move. One of Italy's biggest problems is the amount of black money that cannot be detected and, in times of need, the country requires those taxes which are avoided. It is interesting to notice that I pay for my cappuccino the same amount that Karen pays for hers; however, I am certain that the money I pay also pays its taxes while, in her case, she cannot be certain of that. The price, as I said, is exactly the same. I agree that Mr B and many government members are not good examples regarding tax payments and transparency.... on the other hand, a firmer hand by the Police may help in dismantling the submerged economy which does nothing for the country. I am not blaming Italy alone, in Spain we have a similar problem.
Every morning, the owner of the local coffee shop insists that I should keep the "scontrino".... There must be a reason for it.... and yes, the customer is liable.