Gala Placidia's activity

Questions Asked

Bella Toscana is finally operating. A warm welcome to all those interested in participating in the group.

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 10:40

Testing the group. Can you help by posting something to see whether it is working?

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 10:45

I just heard that the ½ûÂþÌìÌà MotoGP pilot Marco Simoncelli has died in a horrific accident at Sepang (Malaysia) during the Grand Prix.

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 08:32

This is "funghi porcini" time and you will find them sold fresh everywhere. A great time to enjoy them. There are many ways to prepare them: sauces, garnishes, omelettes, pasta....

Sat, 10/22/2011 - 14:31

Further to previous posts and threads, I did not get an answer from Admin regarding the current status for "Northern Tuscany" group... Consequently, I decided to do something different and I requested the creation of a new group...

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:08

Could anyone explain why it is not possible to access the Northern Tuscany Group? I am supposed to be its Administrator and I have not received any information regarding this.

Tue, 10/18/2011 - 04:54

Buon Ferragosto!

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 03:28

We are just back from a n enjoyable week in Rome and I must mention the great coffee we had at Piazza Sant'Eustachio, a sort of "sanctuary" for all coffee lovers.

Tue, 05/24/2011 - 03:52

We were driving around Lucca when I saw at a newsagent a headline from regional newspaper "Il Tirreno" stating that the Royal couple were coming to Lucca during their honeymoon.

Fri, 04/29/2011 - 12:25

I travel to San Francisco, California, quite frequently as my two daughters live there. I love the city and I have always noticed its strong ½ûÂþÌìÌà influence.

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 06:25

Comments posted

Answer to: I'm Gone
Wed, 06/03/2009 - 16:52

A bit more time is needed. You will get used to the new format and I am certain that there will be more improvements. 

Answer to: introduction
Wed, 06/03/2009 - 16:02

 Hi, Masterphoto, and a very warm welcome. We all look forward to hearing more from you. Keep on fighting and be positive. Enjoy your holidays. Best wishes.

Answer to: Hello!
Wed, 06/03/2009 - 11:51

 Glad to see your name back. It is taking a bit of time to get used to the format, but we are getting more confident.

Wed, 06/03/2009 - 11:47

 After following the excellent advice given by Fox and having narrowed the area, visit the place both in summer and in winter, to ascertain the availability of services, possible isolation, etc. All areas look terrific during the high season, but you have to see them during the low season as well, particularly if you intend to reside there.Before buying a place check first how much it is going to cost you to heat the home in winter as many people are surprised by the high cost of energy in Italy. The house has to be cost efficient and for this you will need double glazing, a good heating system and proper insulation. Winters can be cold in Italy. We checked all that and we haven't had nasty surprises.

Wed, 06/03/2009 - 11:39

 I agree with Gromit as nowadays it is basically the same rule all over the EU, namely:If you are over 65 and a pensioner from any EU country, your rights can be transferred to your new EU country of residence (ie Italy), providing there is a Health agreement between the two countries (origin and new residency) and your country of origin gives you the right paperwork.Under the age of 65 and coming from another EU country, your health entitlements depend on whether you have a job or a business and make contributions to the local Social Security. Then, in the case of Italy, you will be given the same entitlements as any other citizen or resident, because you are contributing to the system.If you are an early retiree or you are not working, you should provide proof of your health cover through private health insurance, and this will be a requisite in order to obtain residency.The same rules would apply not only in Italy, but also in France and Spain (as far as I know) and I guess that it would be a similar situation throughout the EU countries. 

Wed, 06/03/2009 - 03:56

 Hi Serge, I lived in Australia for many years and I loved bottlebrushes. I am glad to see that they are now sold in Europe, together with many other useful natives. Some "purists' will not like the introduction of foreign flora; however, many species that we consider to be European are only adopted plants from other countries and continents. I love eclectic gardens, with a bit from everywhere. In the old times, this couild be considered an exotic garden.Regarding callistemons, I guess that the one you have is the classic "Endeavour" or Callistemon citrinus "Endeavour", a beautiful plant with characteristic bottlebrush flowers in red. It usually flowers in early summer and then again in autumn. Prune just below the flower heads after the flowering season and careful with caterpillars (worst enemies). Otherwise, it is a hardy plant.Other varieties for callistemons which are worth looking for would be:Callistemon viminalis "Captain Cook" (Dwarf red bottlebrush), a very dainty red-tipped shrub with arching branches that flowers very liberallu in spring and summer.Callistemon pallidus (Lemon bottlebrush), with pale yellow flowers.Calothamnus (sic) sanguineus (One-sided bottlebrush or Silky-leaved blood flower)Callistemon salignus or Willow bottlebrush, a small tree which blooms with cream-white flowers that can grow up to 3m in 5 years or up to 9m at maturity. Used for decorative purposes in many Australian and New Zealand gardens.There are more species, it all depends on what you can get through local nurseries.Happy gardening!

Tue, 06/02/2009 - 14:31

 We found that property prices in Bagni di Lucca are excellent value for money, particularly because you are only 25 minutes away from Lucca and the road is very good. Pisa airport is less than an hour away. Florence an hour and 15 minutes, but you can also catch the train at either Lucca or Pescia. There is a train station and regular buses. Plus it is a beautiful location with plenty of services that are available all year round. Obviously, your friends will have to carefully look at properties as there are some which are excellent and some which leave much to be desired. As in every other town.

Tue, 06/02/2009 - 14:19

 Never mind, Serge. We are all learning. Your other post is fine.

Tue, 06/02/2009 - 14:11

 I guess that you have forgotten to mention it as it grows very well.Your garden will make all of us envious!!!!!

Tue, 06/02/2009 - 14:07

 A great pictorial dicionary is the Oxford-Duden Pictorial. There are several versions, ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ-English, French-English. Great reference books to have at home.