Dreamgirl's activity

I have lived in four countries - each time with the expectation that I would live there forever,  not as an overseas posting or long holiday or the like. So each time I have tried to get into the culture, not remain outside. My (not original) conclusion is that every place has its problems and that some are far worse than others. However I have been fortunate always that the places I have lived are not subject to extreme natural disasters or violence or state persecution and the like. Italy is indeed a nightmare of bureaucracy and inefficiency for those of us from places which are more organised. The food is nice, yes, the climate is good, ok, the landscape is gorgeous, the people are friendly etc.But for me the bottomline question is more to do with where do I feel the most alive and engaged and curious? (I add that I am not yet so old that questions of elder care enter the equation.) With this attitude then there is hope and a will to work things out and go forward. I like the idea of being a "handholder"... maybe this could be my new career?! 

This happened to friends of ours. I phoned up ENEL for them, paid their bills in cash including having to pay 60 euro more (I think this sum varies according to how overdue the last missed payment was) and then eventually helped them set up a new direct debit. Do you have any old bank statements or bills that include a reference or account number? It can be done but like many things is more difficult if you speak no Italian and live abroad. 

I know a lot of people with cantina conversions. These are all in vaulted ceiling spaces sometimes also cut into the rock of the hillside of the medieval town. They are visually pleasing and full of charm. The problems are ongoing damp, at times severe, and lack of light. I think it depends on the individual cantina how viable the idea is. I had a friend who lived in the cantina in the basement of an apartment building in a very expensive city. It was tiny, had no windows but had plumbing. For her it was a sort of temporary retreat for a while and the rent was low. Not sure if her staying there was legal. There were other people staying down there too in other cantinas - some who had been there for years.  

Thanks Bunterboy and Modicasa. What you say is pretty conclusive. The difference (or lack of) between anagraphical and tax residency is illuminating. 

Thanks a lot chrisnotton. I have heard that there is a distinction between tax residency and residency but I have not ever been able to find out exactly what this difference is. Can somebody tell me or tell me where to look?As I said I have heard so much conflicting information and when I have googled I have found information which is dated a few years back and I think there have been changes in laws recently? I probably will eventually seek advice from an accountant (recommendations?) but I would like to be informed in advance so I can ask pertinent questions.