½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

If this is good for Italy, then it will be a blessing in disguise. In any case, I would love to be one of the three female magistrates to judge the old satyr. Or perhaps he would object saying that the court "is too pink" as he said regarding the Spanish government because there were too many female ministers. He treats women with contempt and ½ûÂþÌìÌà women deserve respect.

I must add that the British are not the only ones to blame. I lived in Australia for quite a few years and I met people from different nationalities who could not speak English and tried to live ther lives as if they had not left their country of origin.

Welcome and best wishes. We are not too far away from your area, although we do not live permanently in Italy. Actually, in March I will be in San Francisco visiting our daughters. Anyway, best wishes.

I have been reading with interest this debate and it is about time to give my own feelings and perceptions.  I particulalry like Anne's comment: quote I always thought that multiculturalism was just a preparedness to allow room for different ways of living. Can't see that a desire for Marmite really offends against that. unquote This is the basis of true multiculturalism: live and let live, allow variety, preach tolerance, educate people to be more flexible, embrace those elements or customs that you find attractive, don't loose your identity in the process of becoming mainstream. And, by all means, if you like Marmite, keep on eating it as it is not a British problem only. ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs, Spaniards, French, German, Australian people who migrate will crave for the real passata, the jamon serrano, the bread and cheese, the bratwurst and beer and the Vegemite that they still think that it is the best thing of the world simply because it is comfort food that brings memories. Nothing wrong with it. As for migration to another country, people do it for different reasons and not all of them are the right ones. Many people have no option but to move because living conditions in their own country are unbearable and they cannot see a way out. Others, because they have those dreams of a better life somewhere else and they fantasise about their new lifestyle. Many are disappointed because life is not what they imagined. Others, overwhelmed by the problems they face at home think that moving somewhere else is going to fix all that. It doesn't. And then, there is a small number of people who have thoroughly done their homework and they make all the right decisions. Still, life circumstances may change. You may have moved for all the right reasons, have integrated well in your new home without loosing your identity and then... something happens that brings chaos into your well organised life and you have to move again. It reminds me of Forrest Gump's mother when she used to say "Life is like a box of chocolates...."

Or simply a reflection of where the money is nowadays.... It must have gone somewhere 

I agree with Fillide''s translation. The second bolletino is to be used only if the post office had to send you a second notification. There should be an extra charge for that. If you received your notification at home or you picked it up at the post office without any reminder, the first bolletino is the one to be used. The reminder (if any) should have reached you via certified mail.

Perhaps some local stores that have a high percentage of British clientele....

Sorry, I should have used the ½ûÂþÌìÌà word "passata" as "purée" is sometimes used to describe the concentrate. And you are right, the flavour would be too strong. This may have happened to Esme. My apologies. I tend to avoid the tomato concetrate as I find it too acidic. Tinned tomatoes can also be used. Tomatoes are rather tricky. During their peak season the flavour is superb and I would use fresh tomatoes; however, particularly in winter, some do not have much flavour and the passata or canned variety would be more advisable. I had not seen before the Jamie Oliver recipe. It sounds excellent. Thank you.

I am also surprised. It is a classic Tuscan recipe and whenever I prepare it I am happy with it. I must clarify that it does not taste like ordinary Tomato Cream Soup.

Congratulations, Penny!