alan h's activity

Questions Asked

I'm planning my route down for a months visit in July. I travel through Switzerland as its a convenient route to the Lake Maggiore/Lake Orta area.

I logged on this morning to my local webcam, to look at the snow on the ski slopes. [When I'm in UK I like to see something of what its like at my place in the hills]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14995588

Loved the note about changing the locks!

I have just got back from my latest trip to Italy, and thought some of you might be interested to hear about a Swiss hotel that we stayed in on the way down.

For many years now I have used the likes of 'mappy', 'via michelin' etc for calculating different routes down to Italy - for us its a part of our holiday, so we don't always want to take the quickest/shortest route down.  We prefer to vary t

Today I received an email from the Swiss Travel Centre.  The relevant portion is;-

I've just driven down and back for a [much too] short holiday, and feel that an update on how fuel prices look on the way down would be useful to fellow travellers

P&O have introduced a new ferry on the Dover - Calais route - its called the Spirit of Britain.

They seem to have a special offer on at the moment [on this ship only]

Does Tomato soup exist in Italy?

We were feeling a bit under the weather when we went out to Italy 2 weeks ago. 

The route/timings for next years Giro d'Italia have been posted

http://www.steephill.tv/giro-d-italia/

 

Comments posted

Thanks for that - but I think we've tried quoting those - but I'll check

Looks like your Comune is like mine - questionable interpretation of the rules.

I can't find any reference anywhere to the last 2 points you were told.-

6. You must have lived and worked in Italy in the past.

7. You must be in receipt of an Italian pension

 

I think those 2 points were ruled illegal but the EU Commission, and it had to apply to all AIRE pensioners.

 

 

Of you want to write your own 'Will', I think this site may have some examples of what you write........

https://www.avvocatoandreani.it/documenti/varie/esempio-testamento-olog…

Modicasa is correct on his comments about potential restrictions on what you can do in certain situations.

IF you aren't limited in your options (ie, not centro storico, condominium etc - you need to check), I'd suggest options are:-

1.  Double glaze windows and doors

2.  Insulate the structure

          a.   "External" wall insulation, new brick skin etc, is effective but quite an outlay

          b.   "Internal" wall insulation - this is insulated plasterboard fitted odours on the external walls.  Easier and cheaper than external insulation - easier to cope with windows etc.  BUT probably not as effective as external insulation

          c.  Insulate ceilings and floors if headroom is sufficient.   Insulated plasterboard on ceiling, insulated polystyrene slabs on floor, underneath new flooring.

         d.  Fitting thick carpets helps.

Basically, it's a 'pick and mix' situation. 

Talk to a Geometra or Architect who is local to the area 

Good luck.

 

Found this uk website - may have some useful info

https://www.eco-home-essentials.co.uk/insulating-an-old-house.html

Have you tried asking locals - they should be able to advise. 

If you are buying through a local Estate Agent,  I'd ask him/her for his/her advice on costs.  He may get estimates from local trades (if he wants the sale to go through)

(Advice based on my experience of my very useful Estate Agent when I purchased my place)

As far as I'm aware,  there is no price difference  -  only a time saving.

The tag we use is actually our son's  - as it is daft not to use it when he isn't.  (We tend to travel outside of school holidays, so don't often clash)

The problem with coming on and off the Frech autoroute to avoid tolls is the time factor.

  You could (relatively easily) do the bulk of the journey without paying any tolls  but time of travel would greatly increase, as long as you continue to avoid the Switzerland option.

,..................

 As a comparison  my recent trip to Lake Orta  and back from Calais (approx 12 hrs drive time each way) cost me £65 in tolls plus £36 for the Swiss Vignette (Vignette valid until Jan 2024, so can be used for multiple trips) - so much less expensive than the route via Mont Blanc Tunnel, which must cost about double the cost of 'my' route, or more.

ps - I use a French autoroute "tag" so no delays at the toll booth, as I just go straight to the Telepass booths, and drive straight through.