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
Summing up, always go to a solicitor who knows what he/she is doing and who is competent.
Wasn't it Monaco, Anne? I can't think of any other country having celebrations and fireworks.
Very interesting article, Anne. Thank you. I also loved the "travel clothes" bit. What would modern travellers think of that? I sometimes feel that certain people should not be allowed to board planes in their "travelling outfits"..... if you can call them that way....
Alma, I understand that she is reluctant to use an agent; however, in her case and due to the urgency of the matter, she may really need one. Can you talk to her and explain? Perhaps you know some reliable agents in the area who do have an international clientele. She may need to understand that the agent's commission can be added to the price of the property.
Congratulations, Karen and don't forget the photos....
I agree with Anne. A high speed train will cause much less pollution than other means of transport and would only bring benefits. Many projects are being opposed for political reasons which are hard to understand. Spain enjoys nowadays the largest network of high speed trains and they have changed the way people travel. Who would go from Madrid to Seville by plane or car when you can catch a high speed train from downtown Madrid and be in downtown Seville in 2 hours? It is just a matter of common sense.
Similar demonstrations and even sabotages have been taking place for years not only in Italy, but also in France and Spain concerning the construction of this type of train. Some of the opposing groups have strong political affiliations, nationalists and extreme left in general. Anyway, there will be clashes... but the line will be built, as it happens everywhere else.
No idea about this tax, and we are not currently at Bagni. I will have to find out. We have not received anything. I will let you know.
Penny, I do not think that Spaniards would go as far as wanting to go back to Pesetas. There was a lot of people against the introduction of the Euro as currency and quite a few people still think in Pesetas; however, I do not think that they would be in favour of another change. Prices have already gone up when the Euro was introduced and I think that many would feel that another change will only bring more chaos. Another point that is very prevalent in both Italy's and Spain's economy is the fact that there is a lot of black money going around. Many people do not declare work earnings or wealth or they underdeclare them. I heard that there is a similar problem in Greece. And a major problem is the high percentage of people employed by the public service... I do not think that the Euro is to be blamed (sorry, Fillide). I think that the individual countries are to be blamed for the way they handle the economy.
As you have said, the Greek crisis is having a huge impact on other EU economies. Yesterday, Spanish stocks also lost a bit of value, particularly the banks. Until the Greeks agree to the harsh economic measures impose and France and Germany give the green light for assistance, we are going to see quite a lot of problems everywhere. Unemployment is still too high in some countries. Here, in Spain where I reside most of the time, we are currently having 20% unemployment and, as pianopiano says, youth unemployment is 40%, and this is a recipe for disaster. Italy also has a huge problem with youth unemployment, particularly graduates. I think that strong measures are going to be required.