alan h's activity

"Is this the same thing? My French is useless so I can't tell...   http://www.tifon.com/" It does look like a similar type of 'machine'

"........... have ordered one from Woodlanddirect.com. Cost shipped is US$ ........." If you get it from the US - Is it supplied to work on 110V, or 240V?

Boschetto - You say the electrician quoted for;- ".... the recommended changes to our internal electrical system, ........."   Who recommended them, and what are they? [3,000 Euros seems high, but if the changes involve splitting your house wiring into 3 separate parts, to equalise the load, it might not be too high - but get at least a second quote anyway]

When planting trees or hedges, first read;- http://www.italymag.co.uk/community/post/land-rights

I paid the first half earlier this year from the UK.  I had to put certain information in the 'comments' box of the internet transfer to both payments [Comune and State] and also had to send confirmation by email [attaching scans of the 2 confirmatory slips sent to me by my bank] to the Comune.  The December payments have the similar information requirements in the 'comments' box, but the words change to show it is the second payment. I know my explanation isn't that clear, but go to your comune's website and 'search' for IMU - there should be an information sheet with all the requirements on [at least several comunes websites I checked on last time did - I had to check them out 'cos my comune had posted the wrong IBAN number for the State payment!!]

"........ the intention of covering 800 miles each day ......." Thats some driving!  You'll be absolutely cream crackered by the time you get there.  Also the 'loss' of the hour crossing into Europe can somehow mess up travel calculations [it does make the return 'easier'] I also travel from Northampton - you need to leave before 4.30am[ish] or after 8am [ish] to avoid the rush hour into and around London [M1 & M25]  If travelling later, avoid the M25 between about 4pm and 6.30pm

Its worth looking at the DFDS service Dover - Dunkirk      - not much difference in time overall, as you will be going via Luxembourg, but probably cheaper  [Its the one I always use these days]

The route through switzerland that I use goes through rather than over mountains - so should be relatively pain free. Basle [or Basle bye-pass - do a 'search' on that] - Lucerne, and on through the Gotthard Tunnel.  No mountains to go over

http://www.scottishdance.net/groups/Europe.html#Italy

I'd suggest the first thing is to look at the options for getting to mainland Europe.  Apart from the obvious Dover to Calais/Dunkirk, the options of Hull/Rotterdam and Harwich/Hook should be looked at.  Although they cost more, the overnight crossings on these 2 routes can save a day's stop on the way down and back, just about cancelling out the increased cost.  And there is less driving in the UK. Rotterdam to Basilicata - approx 2000km Hook  to Basilicata approx - approx 2100km Dover/Dunkirk to Basilicata - approx 2000km  [but you do have the M25 to negotiate, and the London Rush Hours on the surrounding motorways]   Secondly, you need to decide whether its a 'blast down as quickly as possible' drive, or a 'make it part of the holiday' one. There are plenty of route planners on line. When you've decided your answers to the first two 'questions', get back to the forum for more detailed advice   Good Luck