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'm glad to see that you are interested in the story. "Little Italy" has always been one of my favourite places in San Francisco. I regularly go to St Peter and St Paul's and I visit the famous "City Lights" bookstore. Here is some more information: I strongly recommend the walking tour of North Beach organised by volunteers through the San Francisco City Council. They are free although a donation is expected. If you are interested in the story of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, a google search will give you plenty of information. Joe was probably the person who loved Marilyn the most, although he wanted to change her into a demure housewife and this was an impossible task. It was said that Joe was going to propose again to Marilyn just before she died as he was very worried about her. In any case, he was the only one who kept on sending roses to her tomb until he also died. I have been trying to find the photos they had taken on the steps of St Peter and St Paul on their wedding day (they were married in a civil ceremony at the City Council as Joe had been previously married through the Catholic Church and he had not been able to obtain an annulment); however, I have been unable to find it. A copy if this photo is on display at one of the side entrances of St Peter and St Paul. A very sad love story. Â
Basically, I agree with what Sprostoni says; however, try the diplomatic approach first. Talk to all the parties involved to see whether you can find a solution. If negative, see a lawyer. I do not like your geometra. Careful with him! In any case, I wish you good luck and hope that this is not going to spoil all your dreams about the house.
Welcome back! We were all worried.
My favourite is Luchino Visconti's "Il Gattopardo". I keep on watching it and I always find something new. It is a work of art which does not date.
Some good links that a friend has given me:
I totally agree with Tartuffa on her advice. Costs are very high.
You get it over the counter in Spain and it costs about 5 euros. I can't understand why they wanted to charge you that much in Majorca... Some one was trying to rip you off. Basic medications cost pretty much the same throughout Western Europe, no huge differences. The USA is a different case. There, if you are not insured, you die of a heart attack when you see the prices. Lorraine, when you start going to your health centre in Italy they would include in your medical history those medications that you would regularly need and list you as a chronic sufferer, which should entitle you to receive them free of charge. I think that there is a strong possibility that they could also put you as a dependant on your husband's file, particularly if you are not working. I am not completely certain, but worth enquiring about it. If you don't ask.... you will not be told.
If you suffer from asthma and you travel to the USA take a few inhalers with you. The cost there is highway robbery!!! Look at this: o The average cost of one reliever inhaler (Atrovent) is $114 o The average cost of one combination inhaler (Advair) is $233 o The average cost of one preventer inhaler (Flovent) is $151 o The average cost of one month of Xolair injections is $1000 You cannot afford to be an asthma sufferer in the USA unless you have the right type of insurance to help. How fortunate we are in the EU!!!!!
I would choose oil filled radiators for the apartment and halogen for the bathroom; however, all this only works efficiently if you have good insulation. Sorry, I am not good at detailed costs but we had this type of heating in a small house we owned in France and it was really efficient.
Check your insulation as well. It is important. What kind of windows do you have? You may need double-glazing.