Gala Placidia's activity

 Give the butcher advanced notice, as I guess that he would not have the cut in his cold room with the skin on. Another solution is to buy a piglet, or half a piglet, as I have seen them with the sking on and actually, the crackling is delicious. It melts in the mouth.... Yummy!

 Pork rind translates as "cotenna". Actually, crackling is "cotenna arrostita". I think that you must have a friendly butcher and ask for it....

 Maralyn, I think that you are on the right track. I would not consider a swimming pool as it is too expensive, requires lots of maintenance, you can only use it for a limited time of the year and you have nearby facilities that can be used. I have owned several homes in the past with swimming pools (not in Italy) and my husband says that he would not go through that experience again. On the other hand a "jacuzzi esterno" may be a great idea and can be used throughout the year by adjusting the temperature to your needs. We installed one in a house we had in Granada (Spain) and it was terrific. Our daughter also has one at home in San Francisco and she loves it. Here is some information that could assist you: http://http://www.lapiscina.com/Pages/Spas-Jacuzzi.html Good luck!

 The shop at Barga where you will definitely find it is on the main street from the entrance door, about 100 yards away from it on your right hand side. It has a double entrance and it sells local delicacies. Highly recommended.

 It seems to cook faster than ordinary pasta, so be careful. Commercial chestnut pasta can be found particularly in the Northern Tuscany area; however, it can be found at specialty shops throughout the world. I recently found it in San Francisco.... but then, the place that sells it is called "Lucca".... Nevertheless, fresh pasta is always better.

 Hi Saffie, I finally found the recipe I gave in the old forum. Here it is: During our last trip I bought in Barga, at a small shop that sells local products on the main street coming straight from the gate at the parking, a couple of packets of chestnut tagliatelle which were absolutely delicious. I served them with a duck and orange ragú which I concocted myself inspired in a traditional Tuscan dish which apparently is the original source of the French "Canard à l'orange". The Tuscans say that this dish was taken to France by the chefs who accompanied Catherine of Medici. Here is what I did: 1.- The day before I cooked 1 1/2 ducks in a Slow Cooker (Crockpot) leaving them whole and just with salt and pepper, 1/2 cup of white wine, 1 teaspoon Tuscan Herbs Mixture, the juice of 1 orange and a few slices of another orange. I did this for 8 hours and I left the pieces to cool down in the crockpot. 2.- Next day, I sauteed in a bit of olive oil the following: 1 onion finely chopped 2 stalks celery finely chopped 2 carrots finely chopped Once cooked, I added about two tablespoons of grated orange peel, 1 little container of glazed orange and lemon peels, 1/2 cup white wine, a small glass of "grappa", 1/2 cup orange juice and allowed it to reduce and evaporate. I added then the duck meat, chopped and allowed it to cook for a few more minuted. I served it with the chestnut tagliatelli and a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for those who cannot eat pasta without cheese on the side (I prefer this dish without cheese.....) It is a delicious combination without using the traditional tomato based ragús and more delicate to accompany chestnut based pasta. Enjoy!

 I must say that one of my favourite Italian restaurants is actually in New York City. It is called "Peasant" and it is superb. You can have a look at what they offer: http://www.peasantnyc.com We are also just back from San Francisco and there are plenty of excellent Italian restaurants there. This time we tried "Salute" at Marina Bay and it was very good. Have a look at their webpage: http://www.salutemarinabay.com I particularly love their motto: "A tavola non si invecchia"

 Some months ago, members of Italy's Magazine old forum and new community showed their compassion through donations to the Abruzzo's earthquake victims. Now, it is Haiti, one of the world's poorest countries who needs help. Solidarity has no borders, you will never know when a new tragedy will generate many innocent victims. My call is for help through any organisation that you would like to join efforts with. My thoughts are on the Red Cross, Caritas, Médecins sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders), anyone who has an already working structure in the country and who could help victims as soon as possible. If we think at the victims from the Abruzzo's area, they are still suffering and will continue to do so for a long time to come. The people from Haiti have absolutely nothing and very little hope of getting help. So please, lend a hand. Tragedy has no borders but hope and charity have no boundaries.

Best wishes for 2010 from another neighbour. Bagni di Lucca is a lovely place.  The furniture addresses you have been given are fine. Careful with the Mercatino dell' Usato, sometimes they charge too much for certain second hand items. If you like antique and vintage furniture, there is the market at Lucca on the 3rd Sunday of each month. You can pick up some nice pieces there at reasonable prices, particularly towards the end of the day... if they haven't been able to sell too much. Always ask for a discount. You usually get it.

 Hi! This site may be helpful: www.dogwelcome.it I don't think that they have apartments; however, you can write to them in English and they may be able to help. We have always used their recommendations when travelling with out little dog and their advice has always been great. Best wishes