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: clean bricks
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 15:28

In ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, it is translated as "acido muriatico" or "acido cloridrico". In English, it is also called muriatic acid. Here is what it is: It is actually a powerful chemical, although our bodies produce it... I'm afraid that the only non-chemical helper may be "elbow grease"...or "olio di gomito" in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Not sure whether it works with lime, though...

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 13:54

I totally agree with Sebastiano, the major danger for Venice is the damage that those huge ships can cause to the structure that has been holding the city together for centuries. It is simply too fragile to be risked. Anyone who knows about boating and sailing will immediately understand it. Just the mass of water displaced by those giants, even at minimal speed, can cause severe erosion. 

Answer to: Health Care
Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:18

I think that this old thread is the most relevant in your case: There are plenty of old threads in the archives if you do a search using the words "health cover". I would say that Penny is the most knowledgeable member in this field following all the research she had to do on the topic, particularly for the Marche region. She may have some answers, although what has already been said in this thread sounds correct. Each region has a different interpretation and some officials are more helpful than others. Your age group is also important. Good luck!

Sun, 02/12/2012 - 02:51

Good to hear that they keep a watch on you. I always worry about those who may be isolated and without proper help. I don't blame your cat... give him some warm milk. Cats hate the cold weather.

Sat, 02/11/2012 - 03:04

We have a couple of "merli" or blackbirds who have built themselves a nice nest in our loggiato. They are there every year and they enjoy worms, insects, bays and fruit. I can remember one day when I saw Mrs Merli returning to her nest with a fat worm in her beak. She stopped for a second and showed it to me, full of pride. Ever since, my husband's bait supplies have diminished considerably. And I always leave out some small pieces of fruit. This is why they always come back, plus the fact that their nest is very well protected. Different species of birds have different feeding requirements. But, if we observe them, we will soon know what they like.

Answer to: Roof repairs
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 13:46

You are doing the right thing. Peace of mind is most important. And proper insulation is great, it makes quite a difference. Good luck with the renovations!

Answer to: Roof repairs
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 11:16

Sorry, myabruzzohome, but wood boring (xylophagus) insects may attack all kinds of wood, including chestnut. Have a look at this old thread: There are other threads on this same topic if you search through the archives. Lindsay, I would check with Council regarding their requirements. Better safe than sorry. And, as you are working on the roof when installing the insulation, have those beams checked for nasty little beasts. A professional inspection is not too expensive and it will give you peace of mind.

Thu, 02/09/2012 - 10:52

Puccini is Lucca and Lucca is Puccini. The composer is always present in his city and there is a festival and different events which are a must for all music lovers. You can find all the relevant information here:

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 13:51

½ûÂþÌìÌà hot chocolate, or "cioccolata calda" is absolutely delicious. Very thick, rich and creamy, it tastes more like chocolate pudding and it is very similar to the one we drink in Spain. It is served in small cups and it is better that way, as I do not want to think about the number of calories contained in those small cups. And our livers must work extra hard!!!! But it is a real treat and great in very cold weather. P.S. Thank you for the clarification about the St Bernard dogs, Alanh. Just as you said, it was a beautiful story, though.  

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 07:34

Great to hear, Fillide. Councils are practically bankrupt at this stage and, in any case, I feel that emergencies, even if they are regional, are the competence of central government, who is, in turn, in charge of the army... Or is it just too logical... Otherwise, where is the concept of "nation"?