marcella's activity

Questions Asked

Is there a 1471 equivilent in Italy which you dial to find the last number dialled? Also is there a BT 1571 callminder message service here or does one simply jave to use an ansaphone machine? Thanks

Wed, 08/04/2010 - 15:43

We have a top floor apartment and our airconditioning unit is mounted on an outside wall on our terrace. It is a little on the noisy side when it's on....a low hum.

Mon, 06/28/2010 - 13:37

I recall the street market for non-food items in La Spezia being on a Friday (all day) but looking at another site it says Thursday is market day. Can anyone confirm this please?

Wed, 06/16/2010 - 20:00

Anyone driving back to UK in  the next few days and would like to share the costs? We are stranded in Liguria, no flights, trains full!

Mon, 04/19/2010 - 09:49

Can anyone recommend, preferably a pensione or agriturismo, if not a small hotel in or very near Portovenere Liguria please?

Fri, 08/28/2009 - 16:11

Don't eat or drink too much today!! I'm off to mass soon.

Sat, 08/15/2009 - 03:08

A youngish sinlge man in our condominium appears to lock his dog out onto his balcony at night and it barks virtually all night keeping us awake. He also allows it to roam free in the communal garden unsupervised where it sometimes defecates.

Fri, 08/14/2009 - 18:00

Does anyone know the rules concerning a non-resident buying a scooter in Italy to keep here for private use on holiday? Can anyone recommend a brand?

Tue, 08/11/2009 - 08:18

The Italian tradition of going for an aperitivo at a bar before lunch or dinner is great...very civilised.

Fri, 08/07/2009 - 05:06

i've tried growing basil from seed both in London and here in Italy but I haven't been very sucessful. I'd love to grow it in abundance as it's one of my favourite herbs. I particularly like home-made pesto which needs loads.

Wed, 08/05/2009 - 07:13

Comments posted

Fri, 08/21/2009 - 10:08

Totally agree with all of you....isn't there a niche for some budding entrepreneur?

Fri, 08/21/2009 - 07:06

I have to disagree with you based on my experience this year compared to last year.Yes I can find small places where you can have 2-3 courses for 12 euros here in Liguria because I know where to go but  I can see some establishments are penalising those still willing to treat themselves and families to a meal out. I refuse to pay 3 euros per kilo for tomatoes or 5 euros per kilo of bread notwithstanding the weakened pound.so I vote with my feet. I know the little shops and markets which offer good value and patronise them.There was a time when household items were as cheap,sometimes cheaper than UK. Now I bring things like bedding, cookware crockery etc over from the UK.  I don't think I'd manage to live comfortably on £10,000 euros a year in Liguria and I'm not an extravagant person

Thu, 08/20/2009 - 06:06

HiI've just come back from a week in Liguria and I also noticed the rise in prices from say this time last year. even though the recession was already underway last year and the £ weakened. Eating and drinking out has certainly gone up considerably. A primo piatto at 10-12 Euro is in many cases dearer than London. The best value are the set menus. I found food shopping also expensive on last summer, however we live as we do in the UK and shop seasonally and take advantage of the 'offerti' It always amazes me how very basic Italian produce eg tomatoes, cheese,milk, bread can seem comparatively  more expensive. Going for a beer or an apperitivo has become a bit of a luxury.  In our town it appears that some restaurants have really jacked up prices and inevitably, apart from the tourist magnet establishments, there are fewer punters.  

Answer to: BELLA CALABRIA
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 08:12

Hi DaveYou may or may not be familiar with www.incalabria.com. The forum is worth joining as it was set up for people buying in Calabria and it has lots of advice and information for buyers and many members with personal experience. I would assume there are others in a similar position as you.

Sat, 08/15/2009 - 13:35

Many thanks for all your advice. I will look at the links you've sent Carole and Serge and will ask for help if I get stuck with the language.

Answer to: New member
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 17:51

Hi Adri, welcome to the forum. Whereabouts are you in Liguria?  We are in Rapallo and try to visit as often as possible.

Wed, 08/12/2009 - 08:36

Many thanks for all your replies. Will give it some serious consideration. Need to find a resident to 'own' one!

Mon, 08/10/2009 - 05:59

How about small items from Harrods/Selfridges/Fortnum&Mason eg tea caddy with tea or an apron or shopping bag with the logo on it. Some of my relatives like English bacon and porridge ! which you can't seem to find here.

Fri, 08/07/2009 - 06:00

The basil pesto sometimes has a few French beans and a little boiled chopped potato added.

Wed, 08/05/2009 - 14:33

Yes, have a look at www.incalabria.com  It's forum has lots on this company, many memebers with first hand experience.