11366 Back Again......

Hi All -

I'm not really new here, but it's been a while, so thought I should introduce myself anew. After taking the decision to retire in poverty in Italy, I've been living in a mountain village in Northern Tuscany for a bit over 2 years now, and it's been an enjoyable, interesting and busy time dealing with such things as being allowed to live here, bringing my 2 cats from Sydney, learning how to keep warm, coping with the language (this has been one of the easier challenges!), not to mention renovating my house.

After having had to travel specially to Sydney twice, I at last have a visa (Residenza Elettiva) and have applied for a Permesso di Soggiorno, which should be ready in the coming months.

Working on the house has been a joy, it's a rustic building and the work is very rewarding, and the range of lovely hardware, hand-made bricks and tiles, joinery timber and paints available here is an eye-opener to me. And the Italian paintbrushes! I'll never use a roller again.

I'm always interested to meet other people in the area, especially (but not limited to) any other gay men who may be out there......:reallyembarrassed:

JohnR

Category
Introduce Yourself - Piacere Conoscerti

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 12:59

Hi John, good to hear from you again. I am amazed at bringing 2 cats from Australia, it was traumatic enough to bring ours from England, though both are thriving here, Phoebe is 19yrs old this year, why not join the pets corner and post some pictures?
Hope to hear more from you.
Angie

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 13:11

Hi John and welcome back from a neighbour and fellow Australian. Vico Pancellorum is a beautiful place.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 13:17

Hello John - I remember your posts about a " witheld holding deposit" a couple of years ago. Nice to hear things have worked out well for you. Welcome back.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 17:21

Thanks all for your good wishes.

I've just had a quick look at Pets' Corner, I'll try to dig out some photos.

I'd heard that there were Australians in Bagni di Lucca, but hadn't actually seen one.......:wideeyed:

John

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 03:43

There are some permanent Australian residents in the area (we go there on holidays only) but I have never met them. Some of the locals told me that they have an art shop near Ponte a Serraglio. Next time you are in the area, ask around and the locals will tell you. There are two places that should know, one is Bar Italia, because everyone goes there for coffee and the other would be TLC, practically on the bridge, selling interior decoration and real estate.
Best wishes with all your projects.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 04:00

[quote=JohnR;107598].

I'd heard that there were Australians in Bagni di Lucca, but hadn't actually seen one.......:wideeyed:

John[/quote]

Wait 'til you have beaten us at Cricket (The Ashes I think they call it) and then you'll probably hear them!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 04:10

You are right, Ghianda, it is "The Ashes" and it is called that way because the trophy is actually a terracotta urn that contains some ashes from cricket equipment.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/09/2009 - 21:13

Well, check out Arcigay on the web for social contacts. In small places people keep a very low profile, especially the women!:-)