Gala Placidia's activity

As in any profession, you will find good architects and bad architects. This is why you must ask for and check references, as would be the case with any profession or even trade. The architect's role is to interpret the client's wishes and not to impose his/her own. He/she may suggest ideas based on knowledge, experience and personal talent. A university degree does not certify that you will be good in your profession. My husband had to teach quite a few graduate trainees basic things that they should have learnt while they were attending university... and this did not happen in Italy.

Sorry, the description of the architect's role is frivolous and unfounded. A good architect will be able to provide you full professional services, including supervision. Engineers are only used to double check structure calculations. A geometra has not the same level of proficiency that an architect has. We have employed one to oversee and coordinate some works in our house while we were absent, but plans and everything to do with what we wanted to achieve had been designed by my husband, who happens to be a retired architect.  To give you a better comparison, to employ a geometra is like going to see a nurse when you need a real doctor. There is this myth about architects beeing "arty farty" which is not true. There may be a small number of them who may fall into that category: however, most of them are down-to-earth professionals who can provide you with design solutions that many people will not imagine. They will also save you money by giving you correct and efficient advice. As in all professions, there are good ones and bad ones. Check credentials.

I thought that the recipe would be a similar one to Limoncello. By the way, my neighbour just gave me a bottle of a new batch her mother-in-law (over 90 years of age, God bless her!) just made. Delicious... but deadly.... It may be the recipe from the fountain of youth!!!!!

Any chance of getting your recipe?

Too many things to do. Beautiful Sunday weather in Bagni dI Lucca. 

Post deleted by Gala Placidia (repetition)

Do not be surprised about the silent attitude of the Spanish government. Besides having an election in May and a 20% unemployment rate, Sapin has had more than its fair share of immigrants over the past 10 years. It also has a geographical position similar to Italy, with boats arriving from North Africa every day. This gives you an idea of the size of the problem, which is becoming a major political issue: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Spain

We always come and go across that border whenever we are in Italy. About a week ago there was no waiting and no queues noticeable on either side. I think that French authorities will be checking trains and buses but will not bother with private cars.

My dear husband solved the problem for me. He saw a guy near our place using a notebook with a dongle, so he sent us to the TIM representative at Fornacci di Barga  (on the main road). There was a special valid until the end of the month which is giving us the dongle or "chiavetta" at 29 euros plus 3 months of unlimited Internet for 30 euros (we shall be staying in Italy for a bit over to months), total 59 euros which we thought very reasonable. No contract or minimum time with them, the man told us to come and see him next time we will be in Bagni di Lucca and he will find a good deal for us. Great service and advice. Highly recommended.

I totally agree with the above statements. The generic name of the drug is important; however, most Italian doctors or chemists will have access to the Vademecum and will be able to find the local name of the medication. Take with you any recent bloodtest results and any x-ray, scan or other test which are relevant.