Annec's activity

Agreed Beery, except that there wasn't anything in Italy like the UK one I brought over; have had replacement parts sent over no probs and it took a lot to persuade my Italian builder to fit it properly (ie with a flue that its higher than the roof ridge).  Had to prove my point through one smoky winter. I'd have to say that this was an impulse cosmetic purchase (though it does a bl&&dy good job) and not a serious attempt to heat the whole house.  I wouldn't dream of advising on that when there are experts around on this forum

Aah - stove porn - here's my naughty little number

I've had to top up credit through failure to use.  But you might still be able to keep the same phone number - I went into the TIM shop in Amandola and the number was still available - so worth checking rather than having to notify everyone of your new number

We brought one of these out from the UK (practically killed us!) http://www.esse.com/cookers/cookers/multifuel.html It's very pretty and we do cook on/in it but as a secondary stove.  It certainly chucks out a lot of heat and it's primarily there for warmth.  The fact that you can see the flames is also a plus. However if you want to do all your cooking on a woodburner, the comments above might be more appropriate

Unlimited amounts - that sounds dangerous!

Many thanks for the updates What about over the counter in the actual bank (problem usually being coinciding with the opening hours!) Can you use a UK credit/debit card then?

I haven't been able to get out since last October (long story).  Has coppicer's post from last September proved true in S Marche? I'm coming out for a month in September and would dearly love to know what arrangements I need to make for cash.....

There is the Citta delle Stelle at Castel di Lama which is the nearest I've found to a UK equivalen.  It contains a Multiplex cinema and some sort of bowling outift?  (as you may be able to tell, not really my thing!) I would have thought the beach at PsG would hold quite a few attractions for that age group - safe bars, music, maybe discos - others will know more I;m sure.  We tend to stick to the mountains and warn our (now rather older) kids to bring lots of books.  Perhaps that's why they don't tend to come much at present - though I've  feeling that a couple of years hence and the idea of a cheap/free holiday will be more enticing!

Thanks Castel - a useful early warning!

I think it was Tim Parks who described how to establish yourself in an Italian community (or maybe it was some wise person here) Anyway, the point is that you are expected to "carve out a space for yourself".  In other words, it's no good being polite and British and reserved and sidling into the local bar trying not to be noticed.  Although perfectly acceptable behaviour in Blighty - it just creeps out the Italians who won't know how to react. I don't mean the alternative is to thrown your weight around - but you do need to be visible.  Attempting to speak the language is obviously essential - if only so you can ask for help on some little things (where to get logs for winter/buy chickens/eat the best pizza) which will immediately engage people Don't want to deal in stereotypes, and maybe this "English reserve" thing isn't an issue for you Omalley (I'm assuming Italian/Irish ancestry - probably got that totally wrong!).  The "carve out your space" illustration was a lightbulb moment for me. Good luck on your new adventure!