Patz's activity

I agree with Angie and Robert and also with Raggio aboput good food being what you like.  It is natural to miss things, if only because you can't get them!   It just occurred to me that a lot of British people here say they can't make decent mince pies or stuffing at Xmas because they can't get suet so maybe that's one for your list, Aceto?  Making these things doesn't mean they don't appreciate Italian food.  It's just nice to mix traditions sometimes and astound Italian friendss with a taste of Britain!

Hi, Dawn.  Glad to hear it went so well.  I'm a long way from Florence so can't help with lawyers but wanted to say I hope you start your happy new lives here soon.

Hi, jordy and welcome.  I'm afraid I'm a Brit too, so can't really advise.  I can only suggest a lot of internet research.  I'm sure you've looked at these already: http://www.ehow.com/how_2153996_move-from-united-states-italy.html http://italy.usembassy.gov/acs/general-visiting.asp My instinct would be to get the work permit for the English teaching first but I do not speak from any knowledge.  One thing about working as English teachers is that it would make you a lot of contacts quickly, some of whom might be able to help you. As I'm sure you know, you have to get work permits BEFORE entering Italy. Pat

Hi, Aceto and welcome.  I personally love Italian food and I get Earl Grey teabags which are the same as I could get at home. Lidl stocks British bacon or something like it now but I've no idea if it's any good.  What I do miss, though, are spices for Indian cooking and stuff like that.  I know there are ethnic stores stocking them but the nearest to me is in Ragusa.  Have you thought about importing dry items like that?  Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Goodness me, I didn't know such a thing existed!  Have just been looking at them on the internet.  Do let us all know about it if you make your own, Antinello

Hello, Pat. I can't help with your query as I have no idea but I just wanted to say how nice it is to hear that you found so much help in the forums.  Enjoy your beautiful ruin!

Hello and welcome. I can't help with your query but I see others have.  I just want to say "Hello". Pat

Hi again.  What I do is send my CV round in European format in Italian and enclose an English one with it. Pat

Hi, Milsonka. I agree with Sebastiano - it will all be easier if you get an introduction to a bank via your husband's employer.  It will certainly be quicker!  You will need a certificate of residence to open a bank account so check with your husband's employer about this. Pat

Hello, Donna de Amusa and welcome. I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice here. I moved to Sicily from the UK with my dog in 2005.  The most important concern is probably health and I can't emphasise enough that you should check out the situation with the Dept of Work and Pensions before you leave. [ I'm assuming you're in the UK.]  Your British health card will cover you for 3 months. After that, you need to register with the local helath authority.  Depending on whether you are of state pension age or have retired early, the DWP will give you a form. If you have retired early you will get up to 2.5 years' cover here depending on your NI contributuions.  After that you may be covered by the Ital system if you are permanent residents .  I can't help you much re taxation as I'm hopeless with money!  There is a taxation agreemnent between Itaoly and the UK. You should inform your local tax office that you are moving to Italy. They will give you a form to fill in and tell you what to do.  Also, Barclays has excellent info on its website. I don't drive so can't help you there but I'm sure others can. You may also like to take a look at my personal blog http://sicilyscene.blogspot.com/   Hope this is of some help. Pat