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No, Flip. The word I would use is TROLLS.  A very suitable one.

The disapproving finger wagging has already been done by the person who initiated this thread. I am only insisting, because it looks as if you do not understand the message. Annoying other members is the name of the game and it looks as if we are the nes who have to tolerate, in silence, silly arguments. No, you , and I mean all of you, never change. What a pain!!!

I think that most of us, including PennyAW who started the thread, would say that the main topic is now closed. If you want to continue quarrelling, may I suggest that you do it through private messages? You could also start a group and there you could have all the arguments, jokes and conversations that you wish without hijacking useful threads. 

I also agree with Fillide; however, we should remember that Florence is the city with the highest concentration of art in the world and this is expected to create enormous problems, particularly keeping in mind that it is an old city, totally unprepared to cope with a large influx of people. On the other hand, I don't think that things are that bad. I frequently go to Florence from our home in Bagni di Lucca, where we stay at least twice or three times during the year. We generally drive, parking at Santa Maria Novella and yes, it is expensive, but we consider it a treat, having the possibility of parking right downtown. We could either take a bus, or a train, but we travel with our elderly dog (17 years old!) and it is more convenient this way. Forence scooterists should be called kamikazes, but by now we are used to them and have managed quite well not to run over anyone. I think that some of the tourists may be really annoying and make you wonder why they are visiting that magnificent city when they seem to be totally ignorant and unattached to all the surrounding beauty, but then...not everyone has had the benefits of a good education and, being an optimist, I think that the visit will alwayys do them some good. And then, as Fillide rightly says, there are times of the year when there are less tourists of the annoying kind and there are plenty of lovely places to see and discover... or revisit.

I'm afraid that this particular liqueur has been in existence since the Middle Ages in some regions of Spain and France, namely the Basque Country and Navarre, but also bordering areas. It is called "patxaran" (Google the word and you will find the full story) using "orujo" (similar to grappa) or aniseed as a base. It is quite nice although fairly "lethal" if you drink a lot of it. For this reason, if you insist on giving it a name, I would suggest "sloe down".

Spend a whole morning or afternoon visiting the Palazzo Vecchio. Go for lunch to Trattoria Bordino, near the Ponte Vecchio A beautiful old trattoria full of character with the nicest and cheapest (7€) menu of the day in Florence that changes every day. Their Florentine steak, although a bit more expensive, is excellent. And do not forget to visit the Ospedale degli Innocenti, which marks the transition between the Gothic and Renaissance styles.

I agree with Fillide and I can assure you that you will have no trouble finding light switches that will meet high design standards. Italy is at the forefront in design. 

I think that the times of "work on the black" are gone and most governments, at least in Europe, are establishing tight controls. In Spain, as from last July, if you employ a cleaner, even for an hour a week, you have to declare it to Social Security and pay all the necessary charges. on the other hand, some employers have decided not to have cleaners, unless absolutely necessary, to avoid the red tape... in times of crisis, the result has been higher unemployment... I would not dream of having cleaners working on the black. If there is the slightest accident the employer will have a nasty judicial problem.

Thank you, Rickardo. But  I would not last two seconds....

As Fillide says, Laurel Nobilis grows very well in Tuscany and you find it in many hedges. Bay leaves are also very handy to have for cooking; however, check your local situation regarding planting it. Also check at your local nursery, they should be able to make recommendations.