Gala Placidia's activity

Questions Asked

We all have cooking tips and techniques learnt through personal experience or because someone else was kind enough to tell us.

Tue, 08/04/2009 - 05:07

 A fairly comprehensive list of words related to food and wine has been prepared by a few of us. It still needs revision, corrections, additions and you may be able to help as it is a Wiki.

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 04:31

 It is official, the old Casino in Bagni di Lucca is reopening its doors after many years; however, it is going to be a modern version, more "little Las Vegas" style than its elegant and exclusive predecessor.

Mon, 06/29/2009 - 09:04

A few weeks ago I started a thread in the old forum about this topic. I still think that it would be great if we could all share our favourite recipes which our families and friends enjoy.

Fri, 06/19/2009 - 05:29

 I think that there are quite a few members who have married overseas an ½ûÂþÌìÌà citizen; however, I am not quite certain whether they have registered their certificate of marriage before the nearest ½ûÂþÌìÌà Consulate.It is advisable to do this an

Tue, 06/16/2009 - 03:43

 It is most important, if you own a property, to have a clear description for it. That is possible through the "visura catastale" which gives you and confirms many facts regarding your title.

Sun, 06/14/2009 - 05:21

 Polenta is one of those ½ûÂþÌìÌà dishes that you either love or hate. Considered in the past as the poor people's staple diet it is nowadays served in the best restaurants. 

Sat, 06/13/2009 - 17:53

I have just seen on TV some images regarding the Treviso tornado. I sincerely hope that any members in the area have not suffered from this disaster.  

Sun, 06/07/2009 - 16:44

 The base for many ½ûÂþÌìÌà sauces and dishes is the "soffritto" (sofrit in French, sofrito in Spanish), a mixture of some diced vegetables which are cooked in a heavy pan with three tablespoons of olive oil (although some other kinds of oil and fa

Sat, 06/06/2009 - 05:37

 Hi everyone, this is a warm invitation to joint this group and discuss ½ûÂþÌìÌà food, wine, regional cooking, recipes, tips, cooking utensils, history of cooking and any related subject you may wish to talk about.And welcome, Mimosa, glad to see t

Fri, 06/05/2009 - 08:28

Comments posted

Answer to: Pappataci-Midges
Thu, 04/11/2013 - 04:54

Sandflies and midges are a real pain. Not surprising that one of its species is called "Culiocoides Molestus", a real nuissance. Also, there is a pappatataci fever, which they transmit. So it is a real problem. Many years ago, I lived in Byron Bay (Australia) and some areas suffered a lot from these little monsters. I remembered that the local Council used to issue instructions about how to deal with them and I found this most useful piece of information: There used to be a local remedy made by mixing baby oil with tea tree oil (available from health food shops) and it was quite effective. I also found this article that mentions some of those remedies: Also, people with O type blood group seem to be more affected than others. Vitamin B1 is also useful to prevent attacks. Look at the instructions in the Byron Shire sheet. And follow their advice regarding what to do. They are all very effective. In any case, I would advise you to have with you some prescription medication containing antihistamines in case you get seriously attacked. Do not take it on a regular basis, simply as needed if you find yourself in a difficult situations. Ask your doctor to explain. Best wishes.       

Answer to: Enel payments
Tue, 04/09/2013 - 04:45

Hi Sue, the list of banks that receive transfer payments from overseas is this one If you look here: it appears as if the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena is the most prevalent one in Abruzzo. Follow the instructions given by Enel regarding the data you must include with your transfer, which appears in the bolletta pagamenti estero general instructions. I would send a copy of the bolletta and the transfer to ENEL SERVIZIO ELETTRICO Casella Postale 1100 85100 POTENZA ITALIA to make sure that they have a correct record of the transaction. I would send it through certified mail. If you have any doubts, you can ring Enel from Spain through +390230172011 And finally, if you do not want to have problems with your bills, I strongly recommend you to organise direct debit with your ½ûÂþÌìÌà bank. Total peace of mind! I also live in Spain and we generally do that if the payee accepts it. 

Mon, 04/08/2013 - 11:42

A great art exhibition is currently open to the public at the main salon of the Terme di Bagni di Lucca. Notice the quality of the work exhibited and the beautiful surroundings. Another fine example of what the art community in Bagni di Lucca is offering.

Sun, 04/07/2013 - 13:22

This is the latest article on the forthcoming Festival It is great to see such a positive response and I am certain that it is going to be a great event.

Sat, 04/06/2013 - 09:58

It will all depend on the quality of the work exhibited. I guess that the photographs correspond to work exhibited last year; however, I understand that the scale of the event was much smaller. I understand that this year the aims are more ambitious and that the organisers intend to extend the number of exhibiting venues to include La Villa. Already, there are events that will be held in the theatre, next to the Circolo dei Forestieri that has two beautifully renovated rooms very much suited for displays. Also, there is a project to convert the centre of La Villa into a pedestrian only area during the summer months. I think that this is a great idea as there are other alternatives to overcome traffic and parking problems. Quite a few exciting projects for our lovely area. By the way, if anyone knows of any artists who may be interested in participating, please encourage them to do so by contacting the organisers through the Festval's web site. The more, the merrier.

Fri, 04/05/2013 - 04:53

Hi VIolet and welcome. There are members living in your area. Best wishes!

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 05:57

Emma Bonino al Quirinale! Great choice! And Renzi is right. Italy is wasting precious time with this gridlock. 

Thu, 04/04/2013 - 05:44

We also switched to mains gas immediately after buying our house, more than five years ago and we are delighted. Easy, clean and convenient. All energy is expensive in Italy, but our gas bills are very reasonable. But then, we have PVC double glazed windows and have done quite a bit regarding insulation. And this is the key: make your house energy efficient.

Wed, 04/03/2013 - 10:54

For all those interested in rabbits, the House Rabbit Society at rabbit.org has plenty of information and advice. I just found out that there is an ½ûÂþÌìÌà branch

Tue, 04/02/2013 - 10:39

I think that fresh elections are inevitable. I only hope that this time they will vote using their brains with the intention of electing those who may be able to reform the country and clean it from corruption. And that they will have the right candidates to choose from. Not too much to ask, really. I hope it is not "Mission Impossible".