Gala Placidia's activity

 I would agree with you in that the Villa will take some time. And as I said before, they will be watching what happens with the Casino. Most "comuni" are short of funds as I do not think that the partial abolition of the ICI has been replaced by other subsidies. Also, the weather was not too good this winter - as it has been the case in many places throughout Europe - and roads were severely affected by this. I am sure that they will fix it soon.Another interesting development regarding the Comune di Bagni di Lucca is that they recently answered a letter from my husband asking them for their bank details (IBAN/SWIFT) so that we could organise payments through transfers. Amazingly, they have forwarded those details. Last time, we asked for them personally and they said that it was not possible.... Obviously, the new "sindaco" is modernising their structures.  This is great for those of us who do not permanently live in the area.

 I have prayed a full rosary dedicated to St Clare of Assisi, the patron saint for fair weather. I have promised her to lit a candle in her honour. I think that, being Italian herself and practically a neighbour, she will lend a hand. At this stage we need some divine intervention...http://gigibeads.net/prayerbeads/saints/clareassisi.html 

Well said, John. Very sensible comment. 

 I would also love to see the Villa renovated. It is a beautiful building with a great location (on the river) and the gardens are superb. The Casino is also a remarkable building; however, I tend to think that it is a bit small in size for the new casino (I should call it "Kursaal" , as this is the new name they will be using). As for the bridge, perhaps Gromit or some of the other neighbours can give us an update. I am not going back there until September. Lucky you!!!!!

Hi Gromit, I think that they are going to see if the place is successful and later on they are going to tackle the conversion of "Villa Fiori" into a much larger casino, as they intended. I was told about those plans by some neighbours, but they always pointed out that the main problem was the licence. Well, now they have it and they can see how profitable the venture really is. If you have the time and you can find out more information please let us know, we cannot go to Bagni until early September. Not knowing much about the project my position is "open minded" but I tend to think that the new initiative could be very beneficial to the area. It is an extra facility and this always helps. I also read that the public swimming pools are already operating. They are great and they also use thermal water, which is an extra benefit as those waters are renown for their quality. 

There is a wealth of information about this topic in the old forum. This is just one of the threads:www.italymag.co.uk/forums/gardening-agriculture/3941-olive-trees-planting-pruning-harvesting-etc.html Keep on doing searches using the words "olive grove" and you will get plenty of advice.You can also join our "Gardening" group and start a thread on the subject. It is an open group.Happy gardening!

Hello Winnifred and welcome from another Aussie who has been living in Europe for many years. Travelling between Italy and Australia is going to be your major problem if you wish to go from one country to the other on a regular basis. Try to find a place near an airport with good connections so that your travelling time is reduced as much as possible. We purchased an old watermill in Northern Tuscany and it is very well located. It took us quite a while to find what we wanted, but it was  all worthwhile. Also, you will need a place that requires little or no maintenance  as you are going to be travelling quite a lot. Which are your favourite regions? Do you have family ties with Italy? Just ask all the specific questions you wish and we will all try to help you.Best wishes with your plans,

 We use Advocate for "Tequila" against fleas, ticks and other parasites. It is great not to have to torture her with a tablet, which she refuses to take. It also prevents and treats dermatitis; however, it does not protect against leishmaniasis.

 Tsugi, I was referring to your comment about the possibility of your mother taking the cash on the plane with her. There is no problem whatsoever if you are transferring funds via a bank. I have never dealt with the Post Office, with the exception of paying bills there, but I think that, as they handle accounts in the same line as a savings bank, they should be able to organise an electronic transfer to a bank account in the UK. Also, it may be an idea to check how the notary is going to handle the operation. I do not think that cash will be an option, I would say that the money from the sale is going to be either transferred to your mother's account or she will be given a bank cheque which she will have to deposit.

 Sorry, but if you look at all the links, you find that there are restriction taking cash out from Italy to another EU country when this amount is higher than 12,500 euros. See:http://www.agenziadogane.it/wps/wcm/connect/resources/file/eb8c4c033e4bf1b/carta_doganale_uk.pdf?MOD=AJPERESPage 25, European Union, CurrencyYou have to complete a declaration prior to taking the money out of the country and the fines are very high.The text is in English