Patz's activity

Hi, Sabina. Good to know you have such an excellent veterinary service. I see that no one had posted to this thread for a long time but I think a list of vets on the site, by region, would be a good idea. I'll ask Ronald about it.   Pat

I'm an Italian teacher and I agree with all that Gala says.  Learning a language takes time and you never stop.  It's quite normal to be able to understand more than you can produce for quite a long time.  And, as people have said here, it's one thing to be able to say a few simple phrases but another to understand speedy replies!  Three tips here:   1] When we listen to people speaking our own language, we don't actually listen to ALL that they say.  We don't realise we're doing it but we partly rely on our prediction skills - in other words we EXPECT people to reply in a certain way.  For instance, if you see your mate in the street and you say, "Hello, Jo, how are things?" you expect him to say "All right, thank you" or "Not too bad" rather than to launch into a discussion of the Nasdaq Index or something.  The trouble is that we don't have the confidence to use our prediction skills when listening to another language and that's why we find it such a strain.  But try it!  It will help you relax.  2] You don't have to understand everything the speaker says.  You need to get the gist.  3]  Do take every opportunity to listen to Italian.  Even if you have an Italian radio station on while you are doing the cooking and you aren't listening attentively you are getting the rhythm of the language and it will help!  Another thing you can do to improve your listening skills is to use SONG.  Just pick an Italian song you like, find the lyrics on the internet and follow them.  Then blank out some words at random, listen again and try to fill them in.  You won't get them all at first but you will a second or third time.  With regard to reading, once you've got a basic level you can start looking at Italian newspapers online.  Read a story that is of international interest in a newspaper in your own language and then try to find the same story on an Italian news site.  If you've read the story in English, you already know what happened so you don't have to struggle for the gist.  Quite quickly you will be able to work out more and more of the Italian text. The Italian language tips and articles that we publish in the magazine cannot take the place of an organised course with a "live" teacher, nor are they meant to.  But hopefully they'll give you some pointers, too. And remember, Italians are pleased that you want to learn their language and they will help you!

Hi, Alan. I'm sure I'd feel the same if I were over there!

Hi, cilla10.  It's great that you are now feeling so positive and at last are able to enjoy Italy.  I wish you many more happy stays in your little house.

Oh, lordie, you have me chuckling.  Anything can happen with the Ital post office!

Hello and welcome to the forum, Hector.  I haven't bought a house here so can't advise you on that.  But I see there is already good advice from other members. With regard to health cover, it is straightforward if you are working here.  If not and you have retired early, you will get up to 2 and a half years' cover from your E 12n as Penny says.  Then you may be covered again when you get your UK state pension. But check all this out with the Dept for Work and Pensions in the UK as the rules do vary according to your circumstances.  I got permanent helath cover here under the Ital system after my E12 thing ran out and I think that was because I'm a permanent resident with no property in the UK.  Local bureaucrats do have a lot of power, as Allan says, but my advice is, be nice to them, show them that you respect their position and they'll really try to help you! Pat

Welcome to Italy and the forum, Darren.  You have psoted this at the right time for, as the opthers have said, there are some kittens being given away by a community memvber.  I hope you, your family and your cat will be very happy in Italy. Pat

I can't advise you as I have whatever is the opposite of green fingers! But I hope you manage to grow your passion fruit plants. Wjhy not post a photo when you do? Pat

What a heartwarming story to cheer us all up.  I can't offer the kittens a home as my doggie wouldn't like it but I'm sure you''' be hearing from the kind folk here.

... it will all be eclipsed by a royal wedding?