Gala Placidia's activity

 There is a rifugio at San Remo: rifugio.myblog.it/album/dogs/page1/I hope that they will be able to help. Good luck!

 If you do a Google search using the words "ITALY CAREGIVER" you will find some interesting information on the topic of caring for the elderly similar to this article:www.4fate.org/italy.pdfA Romanian lady who lives near our place looks after an elderly lady and goes to spend a few hours with her twice a day. The family pays for her services as they are too busy to look after the elderly relative. I was told by a neighbour that there are many cases like this one.

 Hi Alan, I could not find the threads here, but I also remembered discussing swimming pools recently. There are a few in the old forum dating back to May, like this one: www.italymag.co.uk/forums/building-renovation/12365-swimming-pool-excavation-cost-tuscany.htmlI tend to agree with you, for the very limited use and not having to deal with builders, permits and all the rest, the Lidl alternative sounds very reasonable.

 It is all very sad, Serge, but I have to agree with Angie, and this is happening throughout the EU. If you are unable to look after yourself in old age - and the family is unable to lend a hand due to circumstances - if you have a property under your sole name, it will be sold and the money will pay for the nursing home/care services. If you do not have a property, the government will cover the difference between your pension and the nursing home cost. The big difference will be the choice of places. If you have enough money, you will be able to afford a nice place and your family will be able to choose the one they think will be the best for you (and for themselves, so that they can come and visit you). Otherwise, you will have to accept whatever is offered and the government will deduct a high percentage of your pension and provide the difference.In the past, families used to take care of their elderly and infirm. Nowadays, work and family commitments make it very difficult for them to do that. Many years ago, there was always a daughter or niece whose life was devoted to silently look after the elderly. There are still some cases, but they are becoming very rare. Times do change.....As for choosing where to retire, this is a very personal decision. If you choose early retirement, normally there will be quite a few years in front of you when you will be able to look after yourselves, so you decide where you go and enjoy these years. As you become older and you are still very attached to your family in your country of origin, perhaps it may be better to go back there, providing that you know you will have sufficient means not to become a burden to anyone. Also, keep in mind that as we grow older we loose foreign language skills and you may feel a bit lonely if you cannot freely communicate with others. It all depends on the personal circumstances. One thing is certain, we do grow older, not younger. 

 That is more than they would have paid at the 3 star Michelin "La Pergola"!!!!! www.romecavalieri.it/menus/MenuLaPergola-ita.pdf

 Here is another tasty recipe. It will last quite a few days if kept in the fridge. I will give you the basic proportions but you can increase those according to the amount of figs available.INGREDIENTS:1 dozen large fresh figs1 1/2 cups red wine (choose a good "fruity" variety, the better the wine, the better the results)3 tablespoons honeyPREPARATIONPut a medium pan over medium heat and add the wine and the honey. Stir together and bring to the boil.Add the whole figs and reduce heat.Poach gently until tender.Using a slotted spoon remove the figs and place on a dish.Increase the heat to reduce the wine and honey syrup.Return the figs to the syrup and allow to cool.Keep in a glass container with a tight lid. Refrigerate.You can serve them accompanied with walnut pieces and thick cream (or a good vanilla ice-cream)Enjoy!

I think that this is what you were looking for, Brian:www.paradisepossible.com/Passion/Place/tabid/85/Default.aspx 

It is not very difficult for me, Valentina, because I am also fluent in French and Spanish and I have read the English and Spanish versions of the book. But I still struggle with some words and expressions. For this reason, the dictionary is a precious ally.The book is so well written that you forget about the old words and besides, it gives a fantastic historical insight  that helps to understand Italian and particularly Sicilian society during the XIX Century. The other aspect that I find fascinating is the fact that Lampedusa created this masterpiece around real characters, members of his own family, descriptions of familiar places, even meals. It is important to read his "Racconti" which are at the base of some of the chapters he later used in "Il Gattopardo".And we should not forget to watch the film, another masterpiece and readily available in DVD. It is one of those movies which will always remain as "classics".It is interesting to point out that the manuscript was rejected by several publishers, including Mondadori. It was finally published by Feltrinelli after Lampedusa's death. They say that rejecting "Il Gattopardo" Mondadori Publishers made its biggest financial mistake. But Feltrinelli got an instant success. The book I have is from the 89th Italian edition.... and they keep on publishing it, in many languages.

 Good to see you in the Community and I remember reading in the old Forum about your struggle concerning Canvey. We also go quite often from Bagni to Viareggio and to that area to eat some fresh fish in the local restaurants. It is a very busuy area, particularly at this time of the year as it is the access to the Versilia Coast. Unfortunately, nobody realises the dangers involved until a tragedy strikes.