alan h's activity

Questions Asked

My place is between Lakes Orta and Maggiore, and I have used Flybe in the past to fly from Birmingham to Milan Malpensa.Looking for flights in Sept/Oct, I was disappointed at the high costs - so went to the Easyjet site to look at the Luton to Tur

Thu, 08/20/2009 - 04:27

I have often advocated swinging up through Belgium when travelling from UK to Italy, on the grounds of the cheap petrol in Luxembourg and toll free motorways. I did this route again a couple of weeks ago, but found the roadworks on the Dunkirk-Lil

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 09:32

 I thought it might help people not break the law [or get caught breaking it] to some info on speed cameras they might come across in driving down to Italy. [This really applies to people like me who don’t have a sat-nav that tells them all the in

Sat, 07/04/2009 - 11:03

When driving to Italy, [Lake Maggiore area], from Calais, I almost always drive up towards Dunkirk and then head East towards Luxembourg.   The reasons for doing so is simple:-

    Fri, 07/03/2009 - 12:52

    If you are driving down to Italy, this regularly updated AA site gives you the latest info on fuel prices across Europe.  Its useful for deciding where to fill up. Note - in Luxembourg, [where I always fill up - its worth the minor detour from Cal

    Thu, 07/02/2009 - 05:32

    .     I heard this today on Radio 4.  I take it you already know of tough and bough and cough and dough?Others may stumble, but not you,On hiccough, thorough, lough** and through.Well done!

    Sat, 06/20/2009 - 16:58

    .   I'm considering handing over ownership of my Italian Holiday Home to my kids. Does anyone know

    • How easy this is to do, and how costly?
    • Whether this can be done in the UK - or do I have to do it in Italy?
    Fri, 06/19/2009 - 04:54

    Comments posted

    Thu, 10/29/2009 - 14:14

    "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

    Thu, 10/29/2009 - 08:50

    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]

    Answer to: Gas Prices
    Mon, 10/26/2009 - 05:38

    Is it possible to buy the bombola already installed?

    Sun, 10/25/2009 - 05:31

    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"

    Fri, 10/23/2009 - 07:16

    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]

    Answer to: Tax Residency
    Mon, 10/19/2009 - 05:05

    "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.

    Sat, 10/17/2009 - 06:53

    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

    Thu, 10/15/2009 - 08:00

    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.

    Answer to: Salve
    Tue, 10/13/2009 - 09:27

    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