alan h's activity

http://video.google.co.uk/videosearch?rls=ig&hl=en&source=hp&q=making+christmas+wreaths&rlz=1R2DGUK_enGB335&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=ZqLuSufhCNTRjAeck_WTDQ&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBwQqwQwAA#

"I also appreciate everyone's feedback about the Michael Thomas cd's and am going to look into ordering them today." Have a look on EBay and Amazon for 2nd hand CDs

My wife listens to the Michel Thomas tapes when driving to work - her Italian is much better than mine .[I rely on mime and the language level of a 3 year old]

Is it possible to buy the bombola already installed?

I think the decision on whether you need a TV at all depends upon what the house is used for. If its your permanent home, then a TV is probably a good idea.  BUT, if its a holiday home - don't get one! I was advised by an Italian friend not to get a TV [especially one that received UK channels] for my holiday home as it encourages people to sit inside and not to go out. I decided to delay the TV purchase for a year or so, to see whether she was right [I wasn't convinced at the time]. And you know what? - she was right.  We do more on holiday [walking reading, watching the sun go down over the Alps etc] than we would have and don't miss the TV at all.  In fact its nice to get back to the UK and ask "Whats happened in the last 2 weeks? So try the place without a TV for a year or so.  [You can always go to the local Bar for an occasional 'fix' if necessary"

according to - http://www.summerinitaly.com/planning/strike.asp it could be off.   Also lists future dates BUT - http://www.trasporti.gov.it/page/NuovoSito/site.php?p=scioperi saysy its still on  [probably right]

"One glance at my visa card or my Italian phone line statements shows where I'm really living"If you are really worried, then have a second person on your visa card [say a partner/friend/the dog], then nobody can easily find out who bought what.  [you can always destroy the second card once its issued]The phone bill doesn't say who made the call/used the line - it could be friends staying at the house I really don't think that there is a real chance of being 'found out' - though, like any 'good citizen', I would never advise people to bend the law.

If you want to ventilate your place when away without leaving windows open, you could consider fitting a couple of solar powered ventilators [used on boats] - such as ;-

https://www.force4.co.uk

i think that whatever you do will be a bit 'pot luck'In my view - the best thing is to get as much natural ventilation as you can, and if you can safely leave windows open it will be better - dehumidifiers could, as you say, be a bit too fierce.

I have a place near Lake Maggiore, and know Mozzate will prove a fine base for seeing the area, plus shopping in Milan If flying - Malpensa is best  [Major airlines plus Easyjet], then probably Turin [avoids traffic problems going around Milan] served by Easyjet and Ryanair, then Linate and finally Bergamo Driving down? - lots of different routes recommended on this forum Enjoy