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I am afraid that the same has happened everywhere. At least in Spain it was only mentioned twice. Everyone is more worried about the economy and other world events.... Mondo cane!!!!!

Thank you for the links, Casa Monal. It is difficult to understand how all this tragedy could ever happen. We have visited Monterosso and Vernazza so many times, walked down those streets that take you down to the sea and admired the work of those terraced "ortos" that are a tradition in the Cinque Terre. I guess that most of that is gone and the owners will have to start from scratch. But they are brave and full of courage those people of the Cinque Terre. Many of them had to migrate in order to make a living and only some of them went back to their homeland, which all of them kept in their hearts. They will rebuild the Cinque Terre. No doubt about it.

Great information, Alan. Le Creuset cookware is fantastic and you can use it during your lifetime. Also, I guess that the factory will have some discontinued lines. This does not mean that they are useless. Sometimes they do special shapes or colours which they discontinue after a while. This is probably where you get your bargains.

Great information, Sabina. Thank you.

Michelangelo, I do understand your frustration; however, the UK government and the HMRC are not alone. Most governments around the world are doing the same and there is very little that we can do about it. This is why my friendly advice is to look at what is more financially convenient for you.  Read all the past posts or look for professional help. It could save you lots of money.

In my opinion, a "mutuo" is basically a loan. Then, there is a difference between a "mutuo ipotecario" or "ipoteca", which is a mortgage backed by a property and a "mutuo senza ipoteca", which is a loan without a mortgage guarantee. If there is a "mutuo ipotecario" or "ipoteca", the notary will have to make extra charges as there should be a registration of the mortgage and other paperwork. Same thing when you finish paying the mortgage or sell the property before paying the total amount of the "ipoteca". Perhaps Ram could confirm this. In any case, I think that it would be easier for the American buyer to get a loan in America. She could use equity in her present home there.

If you go to the top right hand corner of the page, you will find the Seach engine. Enter the words "tax UK pensions", press the "Search" button and you will find plenty of information about this topic. I understand that we are all frustrated by our governments, but do not become emotional on this. Treat it as a simple commercial transaction.  

You can check relevant information here: Basically, they stick the non-stick surface.... if this makes any sense.... Spraying good old olive oil over the surface of the pan produces the same results. And good olive oil stands quite high temperatures without decomposing. Natural and healthier. A good spray bottle (preferably glass) is all what is needed.

It is difficult to know if you do not have a brochure that explains it. "Titanium" can refer to a coating of titanium nitrite, but most likely to a coating made of ceramic and titanium (fairly expensive). It can also refer to the strength of the coating. I agree, it sounds like nuclear fusion!!!! As for coffee pots, I think that it is a matter of personal taste and I also think that both the coffee brand we use and the water quality are as important as the pot. I like the "caffettiera moka" that I have and I always try to buy coffee from Sant'Eustachio in Rome, but, to be perfectly honest, I prefer to go to Sant' Eustachio and drink it there. The best in the world!!!! Angie, do not worry, start replacing your pots and pans little by little and do not buy too many. Only the ones that you know that you will use. And Lidl has some very good products, both German and ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Simply look at their offers and you may find what you need and want. By the way, I have noticed that Lidl is selling a large amount of ½ûÂþÌìÌà products...

We all have favourite items in the kitchen, which are the ones that we use the most as they respond to our needs. The rest end up at the back tot the cupboards. Your cookware sounds great, Dolcevita, my only concern are those non-stick surfaces because of the potential release of perfluorocarbons. Good quality cookware is better protected; however, we have to be careful about high temperatures, harsh washing and the use of the right utensils, preferably silicon, plastic or wood, as scratches are the ones that cause the non-stick surfaces to decompose. A way to create your own non-stick surface is by filling a spray bottle with some olive oil and to spray the cookware before using it. This way, you use less oil (healthier) and it also acts like a non-stick surface. I love multiple use cookware, stove-oven-microwave-fridge. Glass-ceramic cookware from PYROFLAM or PYROSIL , which I think are produced in France, although I have bought a couple of pieces in Italy.