Gala Placidia's activity

Questions Asked

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.

Thu, 02/09/2012 - 03:10

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

Answer to: Moving to Italy
Tue, 01/29/2013 - 04:55

That is the income per adult person, per year, a bit under 8,000 €. You also need to have private health insurance cover.

Answer to: 5.0 earthquake
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 11:39

My neighbour has just replied to my message. She confirms  that the tremor was very strong and that it was scary; however, everyone is fine and there are no damages, at least to our properties. Also, they have relatives in the Garfagnana and they are also fine. I was worried about them, as there are some elderly people in those families. Good to hear from them.

Answer to: 5.0 earthquake
Fri, 01/25/2013 - 16:27

Hope that everyone is well and that there will be no more tremors.

Answer to: Moving to Italy
Fri, 01/25/2013 - 05:21

Sorry, I was writing with my tablet and sometimes I have problems. In any case, my advice would be, before you come to Italy on a permanent basis, to come for say... 3 months, rent a house in the area where you want to live and see whether you really like it or not. Do not sell your assets in Australia before doing that. Also check taxes in Italy as they are pretty high and keep on climbing. There is a Social Security Agreement between Australia and Italy. Check that as well, to see whether it can assist you now or in the future. Italy is a great country; however, it is not for everyone. Make sure it is right for you before burning bridges. I wish you good luck!  

Answer to: Moving to Italy
Fri, 01/25/2013 - 05:09

Hi, ELisabetta and welcome! You will find plenty of information here regarding residency and related matters by using the search button at the top of your right hand side. Health has been widely covered and fellow member Penny has become a real expert on the topic. In your particular case, it is true that you cannot opt for the Italian nationality "jure sanguinis" because your parents were naturalized before your birth; however, as a descendant of Italians, you could apply for naturalisation after residing in Italy for three years. Money, in that case, is just a small fee, but make sure that you have all your documents duly translated and with the Hague Apostille. You must ask for your "permesso di soggiorno" at the Italian Consulate in Australia before you come. Money requirements are not excessive. At present, they are requesting about 8000€ per adult; however, this amount would not allow you to have a very pleasant life in Italy. Living costs, particularly those related to energy, are expensive in Italy. Also, you are going to need private health insurance.

Answer to: Buonasera!
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 15:19

Hi and welcome! I do not know how many writers there are in the Community, I can remember at leat two, but there are quite a few members interested in books and literature.

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 10:39

I would tend to agree with Penny. I also looked for Anti in Vicenza and I did not find them. If the carved inscription is in English (I thought that it may have been your translation). then it is almost certain that it comes from the New York showroom and part of their Gothic revival reproductions.

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 06:46

Connie, do you have a photo? It seems unlikely that a real throne would be in private hands; however, a ceremonial seat or elaborated chair used by a queen on a certain occasion could have ended withba private collector. If that piece of furniture was specially made for a queen to sit on, it would certainly be decorated with heraldic figures representing the particular Royal family and this could give an important clue. There was no Kingdom of Italy until 1861 and the unification; however, there were several smaller kingdoms, principalties, etc. in existence before that date. The inscription carved at the back shows that the piece is not very old, and that it was made by a commercial firm. Antique pieces may have initials or symbols carved to identify the artisan who made them.

Wed, 01/23/2013 - 13:47

No point in discussing with you, as you always try to accuse others of the sins you regularly commit. Hopeless caseand big chip on the shoulder. As for the word "trolls", I have used it before to describe your"club's" activities... Once a troll, always a troll. that must be your motto. Esme/karen... what can I say... I think that this is the end of this thread, as far as I am concerned. Ciao!

Wed, 01/23/2013 - 08:46

Charlotte will be able to clarify this, but I always thought that,  in order to have an Executor, you needed to have a Will. If there is no will, there is no appointed or nominated Executor. Any person can represent beneficiaries in the distribution of a n estate; however, individual POA will be required...