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: Earthquake......
Wed, 05/30/2012 - 02:06

Molinello, I am in vontact with friends and neighbours in Bagni di Lucca and Ponte a Serraglio. No problems there. The school was closed as a precaution only.

Answer to: Earthquake......
Tue, 05/29/2012 - 08:23

The Spanish media has just reported that there are at least 11 dead and that the intensity has been between 5.8 and 6 (conflicting reports) on the Richter scale. My heart and my prayers go to the victims and their families. What a tragedy!!! 

Tue, 05/29/2012 - 02:24

I thought that you were after something more formal, hence my recommendation to go to Osteria al  Papagallo, but for something casual... Bologna is a foodies paradise. I go to Tamburini to buy products, really worth a visit, but I have never been to their restaurant.  Try to have some tortellini....

Mon, 05/28/2012 - 15:45

Superb, I love it! www.alpappagallo.it

Sat, 05/26/2012 - 02:43

You can get the "modulo F24" at any bank.

Tue, 05/22/2012 - 14:48

Great advice. Thank you. And they do accept pets! We always travel with our little dog...

Answer to: Moving to Italy
Tue, 05/22/2012 - 02:48

Best wishes. What Sebastiano says is right. Keep in mind that any move or change is stressful. Not everything will go as planned. Keep up your spirits and, most important, don't try to compare your present experience with what you left behind. This is a new phase in your life.

Mon, 05/21/2012 - 07:57

I would vote for Lantana Camara. Some consider it a noxious weed, but it is hardy and colourful. Great for rockeries.

Answer to: ICI/IMU
Fri, 05/18/2012 - 02:50

We are back from Bagni di Lucca and it was an ordeal to pay the first "rata" of the IMU (payment for the second one is not accepted at this stage. We had to consult with four different people, including Council. We already had our "Rendita Catastale" sorted out and we thought that it was going to be a piece of cake.... Anyway, sorted out, but it was an ordeal. I heard on RAI radio that there was so much confusion over the issue that the Agenzia was considering not to fine those who make an honest mistake..... Why can't they send us a bill stating how much is due? Anyway, I heard this joke on an Italian radio program: If you are an honest citizen and you do pay all your taxes, when you die... do you go to a "tax heaven" (paradiso fiscale)?

Fri, 05/18/2012 - 02:10

You can find quite a good variety of frozen fish and fish preparations in Italy, including fish fingers. I am just back from there and I prepared some lovely dishes with frozen fish. With all the warnings we are getting about the spread of anisakis and the need to freeze fresh fish for at least 30 hours to kill the larvae, we may as well buy fish which has been frozen at source.