Gala Placidia's activity

Questions Asked

Bella Toscana is finally operating. A warm welcome to all those interested in participating in the group.

Thu, 10/27/2011 - 10:40

Testing the group. Can you help by posting something to see whether it is working?

Mon, 10/24/2011 - 10:45

I just heard that the Italian MotoGP pilot Marco Simoncelli has died in a horrific accident at Sepang (Malaysia) during the Grand Prix.

Sun, 10/23/2011 - 08:32

This is "funghi porcini" time and you will find them sold fresh everywhere. A great time to enjoy them. There are many ways to prepare them: sauces, garnishes, omelettes, pasta....

Sat, 10/22/2011 - 14:31

Further to previous posts and threads, I did not get an answer from Admin regarding the current status for "Northern Tuscany" group... Consequently, I decided to do something different and I requested the creation of a new group...

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:08

Could anyone explain why it is not possible to access the Northern Tuscany Group? I am supposed to be its Administrator and I have not received any information regarding this.

Tue, 10/18/2011 - 04:54

Buon Ferragosto!

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 03:28

We are just back from a n enjoyable week in Rome and I must mention the great coffee we had at Piazza Sant'Eustachio, a sort of "sanctuary" for all coffee lovers.

Tue, 05/24/2011 - 03:52

We were driving around Lucca when I saw at a newsagent a headline from regional newspaper "Il Tirreno" stating that the Royal couple were coming to Lucca during their honeymoon.

Fri, 04/29/2011 - 12:25

I travel to San Francisco, California, quite frequently as my two daughters live there. I love the city and I have always noticed its strong Italian influence.

Mon, 03/28/2011 - 06:25

Comments posted

Thu, 02/24/2011 - 07:09

My advice would be to get proper insulation and double-glazed PVC windows. This does make a big difference in your heating costs and it also helps in summer. We have a 200+ year old stone watermill on the river and our heating costs are very reasonable and the house is warm in less than an hour, even if it has not been inhabited for a few months. We got connected to mains gas, worthwhile if you have it available in your area and we also have a new boiler which provides hot water and heating through radiators. We had a double circuit installed, so we can switch on and off the downstairs apartment which is never used. Best wishes regarding your renovation.

Answer to: Integration
Wed, 02/23/2011 - 10:43

Well, I must confess that I have not seen those shops that you mention. So they must be quite hidden away. I will check the situation in April....when I will be there.

Wed, 02/23/2011 - 04:11

These people may also help: www.dogwelcome.it

Answer to: Integration
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 13:56

Thanks for the link. It confirms what I heard last year. Anyway, I would not like to see McDonald's in the historic centre....

Answer to: Integration
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 11:24

Oh! I forgot to mention in my previous post that I heard that the Lucca Council does not allow the presence of foreign restaurants or Chinese bazaars within Lucca's historic centre. I think that it is a good idea in order to preserve its character. Could this be labeled as "discrimination"? I don't think so. I see it rather as an effort to maintain traditions. Lucca's historic centre is too precious. I don't know what happens in other cities. 

Answer to: Integration
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 03:40

I must confess that I tend to taste exotic cuisines either in situ or in San Francisco, where I go quite frequently. I am afraid that there is not a big choice of those cuisines in Lucca, the majority serve traditional Tuscan fare and my favourites would be "La Buca di Sant' Antonio" or the "Antico Café di Simo" for less formal food. Both have a terrific atmosphere as well. Nevertheless, I found this short list of "exotic" restaurants in Lucca: Ristorante Cinese La Grande Muraglia - Via del Moro 8 Ristorante Hong Kong - Via S. Marco 217 Oishii Di Hu Huamei - Via Pesciatina 509 - San Vito Ristorante Woksushi - Via Citta Gemelle

Answer to: Celebration
Sat, 02/19/2011 - 03:06

Congratulations to you both. You are obviously enjoying life and that is the most important thing.

Fri, 02/18/2011 - 13:59

Prosecco for me, thanks.

Wed, 02/16/2011 - 07:15

A beautiful piece of writing and an enlightening one too.

Wed, 02/16/2011 - 06:27

Perhaps Italian women are going to start their own "revolution": http://www.discountvouchers.co.uk/news/158693535.html Berlusconi has forgotten that if you are a public figure your life is no longer private. His "indiscretions" are notorious, he has lost all sense of propriety and dignity.