The city of Lucca has always been my favourite. Not only because it is only 25 minutes away from our home and I go there at least two or three times a week, but also because you do not feel like a "tourist" there.
Gala Placidia's activity
Questions Asked
In this icy cold weather, hot drinks and comfort foods are a must. Preparing and consuming them are good ways to spend time when we cannot venture outdoors.
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 06:10
The cold weather is affecting most of Italy and creating difficulties concerning energy supplies. Russia, the most important supplier, has been reducing the provision of gas up to 30% due to increasing demand in their area.
Tue, 02/07/2012 - 02:22
The San Francisco Chronicle publishes today this most interesting article:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 12:45
Whenever we are in Italy, we love to visit antique and vintage markets and fairs, looking for that special piece that we would love to have. Sometimes, we find it...
Wed, 02/01/2012 - 02:47
One of my favourite activities in Italy is to visit those markets that sell antique and vintage items.
Tue, 01/31/2012 - 06:38
Some members may have noticed that I have been fairly quiet for the past month and a half. The reason for this was that we have been visiting our daughters who live in San Francisco (CA).
Fri, 01/20/2012 - 02:59
The new Italian government has been announced and it is obvious that we will have a fight between technocrats and politicians.
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 14:24
A lot has been written about the dangers of overheating Teflon coated cookware. Toxic fumes can be extremely dangerous for our health. Personally, I have never liked that type of cookware and I do not buy it anymore.
Sat, 10/29/2011 - 06:24
In another thread, we were discussing Tuscan herbs and "funghi porcini". Tuscany is a paradise for herb lovers and many varieties, such as rosemary, sage and "nipitella" grow wild.
Thu, 10/27/2011 - 11:23
Comments posted
Have you checked whether the concert organisers are offering shuttle buses from Lotto to the stadium? This is what they normally do whenever there is a football match.
Thank you, Ram. I guess that there will be no major changes for non-residents. They did all that last year. As for prima casa, perhaps they are trying to keep Berlusconi quiet until September... I do not think that to completely eliminate the tax is viable if the Comuni are to survive.
Una tregua? Certo, amabile signora! And I will continue in English as my written Italian is not good enough. An invitation for coffee and sfoglia at Gambrinus? You are a real temptress! That would mark the signing of a peace treaty, olive branch and all... And I am a pacifist. Unfortunately, this time we will not be heading for Campania. Did that last year, staying in Praiano and enjoying the Costiera Amalfitana. Heavenly! In any case, thank you for your kind invitation and if you head up north mine stands. Send me a PM if you decide to come.
That would be nice of you...
Ram, I am an optimist, I think that we will all survive... Well, I can always pray and light candles...
Yes, here I have to agree with you, "sfoglia" in Naples with a good cup of coffee is "boccata di cardinale"; however, the one that they serve at Il Monaco is glorious. No need to bring your own.
Letta came to Madrid to meet with Rajoy and the meeting has been very successful. Spain and Italy share many problems and the current austerity rules imposed by Merkel and others is not helping to solve the economic problems that both nations face. Unemployment, in particular, is a major issue. The now demoted Strauss-Khan had warned about the consequences of too much austerity and how counterproductive it could become. Christine Lagarde did not seem to share his views although she is now changing her views. The new alliance may include France as Hollande is facing similar problems. Looks like Merkel is in big trouble and she has an election coming... Interesting times..... http://world.time.com/2013/05/06/spain-italy-team-up-to-demand-crisis-relief/
My neighbours are the best security guards I could ever have. Nobody gets near my door without being thoroughly identified. And there is always someone, all day and night. And Esme, you can come too. I will also buy you a "sfoglia" and a cup of coffee. I am in a good, generous mood...
Wow, I also fully agree with Flip! And I must add that the Italian IMU is not that high when you compare it with the local taxes that you pay in France or even some Spanish areas. Even if those taxes have been triplicated, they are still quite reasonable. As I said before, I would make special concessions, in the case of "prima casa" for low income families and pensioners, but EVERYONE should pay some amount to ensure that local Council will be able to provide those services and works that we would like to see and which many demand without thinking that those cost money and that we are the ones who should help to raise it. Flip, I think that we should meet in the future. I will be in Bagni as from this Sunday and staying until the end of June. Many mornings, at around 10:30, my husband and I are having coffee at Il Monaco at Ponte a Serraglio accompanied by our small black and white dog. Come along and we will buy you coffee and a delicious "sfoglia". Or drop me a line through a PM. I don't bite. Neither does our dog...
All this reminds me of the Gilbert and Sullivan's lyrics: "But in spite of al temptations to belong to other nations, he remains an Englishman" Harry Shindler deserves not only the right to keep on voting, but also a medal!