½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Thank you, Connie. And yes, it is a Gothic revival piece. 

These times are difficult for quite a few countries because of the economic crisis. Italy is no exception and  ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs complain because life is more expensive than before and taxes are higher. But then, come t Spain and you will hear the same story. And I am not mentioning Greece or Portugal because I have not been there recently, but I know that life is very difficult there. From what I observe in France, people are also unhappy with some of the things that are going on. I cannot complain about the way I am treated in France whenever I am there, but then, I smile first, speak perfect French without an accent and I am very polite. I get back the same treatment and I can assure you that French officials can smile and say "Madame" a million times. Same thing in Italy. Spaniards are a bit more abrupt. And the British say "thank you" every two words... We are all different; however, it is a good idea to start with a friendly smile, in any language.

And before everyone gets bored to death with our Latin... "Finis coronat opus" On the main topic, Cardi, I am sorry that you had such a bad experience in Italy and in Argentina; however, you cannot blame any of the two countries, but the individuals you had to deal with. I do hope that France is not going to disappoint you, but nothing is perfect. all countries have their good and bad points. You have to try to concentrate on the positive aspects and forget about the negative ones. Love the country for all the good things it can offer you and then you will feel at home. My motto is "Ubi bene, ibi patria" (sorry about my Latin, again) and it means that wherever I feel good, there is my home.

I agree with Penny. It looks as if the situation has improved.From the maps I have seen, the epicentre was located in the Garfagnana area, close to the Emilia Romagna border. On the other hand, after L'Aquila, authorities have learned to be more cautious. You see, St Emygdius and St Agatha are helping 

"Rem acu tetigisti"

Sorry, Cardi. But I forgot to mention that I also lived, for many years,  in Argentina. Problems there are of a different nature. Corruption and nepotism is the name of the game. It cannot be called bureaucracy. You can go through Customs without any problem if either you know the right people or you put some US dollars inside your passport as you go through. And an Argentine's definition is "an ½ûÂþÌìÌà who speaks Spanish, behaves like the French and wishes he was British". Don't blame the ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs. All the other nationalities that created the explosive cocktail are to be blamed as well. And possibly you wasted your time trying to beat the system. Or matters were not that important and the "bureaucracy" decided not to waste its "valuable! time. 

You are right, the Vatican will not ay the roof repairs, but St Emygdius may prevent it from collapsing...he seems to have done an excellent job at Ascoli Piceno. In any case, insurers are notorious for trying to get away from paying claims. In any case, I will keep on praying...

I am starting to pray to St Agatha of Catania and St Emygdius, both patron saints against earthquakes... and both ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs. In the 18th Century, they say that St Emygdius saved Ascoli Piceno from an earthquake that devastated the region. Better than any insurance policy.

France cheaper than Italy? I live next to the border between France and Spain and we have owned property in France and lived there. I go to France once or twice a week and do shopping there, not because of cheaper prices, but because there are certain items I like and I can only find there. We also have a house in Italy and we go there twice or three times during the year. Consequently, I think that I am fully qualified to compare prices and I can confidently say that - with the exception of perhaps a few items - France is not cheaper than Italy. As per bureaucracy, it may be different, but the French invented the word. Taxes? Property taxes are higher in Italy, even after the latest increase. Personal taxes are also high. Why do you think that French icon Depardieu has applied for Russian nationality?  Oh! I forgot to mention that I am totally fluent in French as I was educated in France...and that, in spite of all what I have said, I love France... but I also love Italy.

I agree with Sebastiano and I also know Australians who only spend part of the year in Italy.