Friday, May 16, 2008

Info on Market Days - Outdoor Markets in Tuscany

Here are some links on Outdoor Markets, Market Days in Tuscany (Toscana):

MARKET DAYS - OUTDOOR MARKETS - OPEN AIR MARKETS
MISCELLANEOUS
* = Blog entry has been updated.

The above links are current. If anyone has any suggestions for other sites, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry. For your specific interest, please search the web for further information using Google

Please note: If you want me to reply to your comment or request for further information by email, please include your email address in a separate comment. I will NOT publish any comments with an email address in it.

That's it for Friday, 16 May 2008: venerdì, 16 maggio 2008.

Ciao, Ben

Moving2Italy2 – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

Today’s quote is an Italian proverb, author unknown.
"Non tutti quelli che hanno lettere sono savi."
"Not all those who are learned are wise."

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

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posted by 2italy2 at 12:05 PM 0 comments links to this post

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Info on Events and Festivals (feste or sagre) in Tuscany

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 23 May 2008)

Here are some links for Events and Festivals (AKA feste or sagre) in Tuscany (Toscana):

EVENTS
FESTIVALS (feste)
SAGRE (FOOD)
  • Sagra dei Baccelli (fava beans) – Dates: 16 – 25 May – Location: Spoiano (AR)
  • Sagra delle Ciliegie di Lari (cherries) – Dates: 24 – 25 May and 31 May – 2 June – Location: Comune di Lari (PI)
  • Sagra del Cinghiale (wild boar) – Dates: 16 – 18 May and 23 – 25 May – Location: Castiglion Fiorentino (AR)
  • La Sagra del Tordo (The Feast of the Thrush) – In October – Location: Montalcino (SI)
  • Sagre e Feste in Toscana – Some events in English but mostly In Italian – Source: Saimicadove.it – "Il Portale per Vivere la Toscana" – Please note: The Italian version provides more detail and events. – See above Events in Tuscany
  • Sagre in Toscana – This listing is In Italian Only – Source: Azzurro Vacanze – In English, Italian
  • Sagre in Toscana – In Italian Only – Source: GIRAITALIA.it
LISTS/SOURCES
  • Eventi e Sagre – "Primavera 2008" – "Eventi, Fiere, Sagre, Mercatini, Manifestazioni, Ricette..." – In Italian Only – Source: eventiesagre.it
    • From the home page, select Eventi
      • On the next screen, you can make multiple selections from Categoria (category), Sezione (section), Mese (Month), Regione (region), Provincia (province), Città (City)
      • For events in Toscana (Tuscany), please select the following:
        • Under Sezione, select Feste or Sagre
        • Under Mese, select the specific month you are looking for
        • Under Regione, select Toscana or another region in Italy
        • Under Provincia, select one of 10 provinces
        • Under Città, select the city of the event or leave blank
  • Italian Holidays, Festivals, Street Parties… – "a list of Italian holidays and festivals which can be accessed by city, region and date." – Source: the Hostetler web site
    • Under "Region", select "Toscana"
    • Under "Month", select any month of the year you are interested in traveling
    • Press the "Submit" button, on the next screen, a listing of events will appear
  • sagreinitalia.it – "Il portale delle sagre, fierre e manifestazioni tradizionali" – In Italian Only
    • Under "Dove" (where), select "Toscana" or whatever region you are interested in
    • Under "A partire da :", select time frame
    • Under "Che cosa:", select type of event, feste, sagre, etc.
  • From the web sites of the APT (agenzia per il turismo) for the various provinces of Toscana. Please note: The Italian version provides more detail and information about the respective events in their respective province.
    • In the province of Arezzo, Eventi e manifestazioni – In English, Italian
    • In the province of Firenze, from the main page of apt FIRENZE – In English, Italian – select Eventi
    • In the province of Grosseto, from the main page of Agenzia per il Turismo della Maremma (Grosseto) – In English, German, Italian – select EVENTS
    • In the province of Livorno, from the main page of Costa degli Etruschi – "mediterranean tuscany" – In English, French, German, Italian, Spanish – select from "events of this month" section of the main web page
    • In the province of Lucca, from the main page of APT LUCCA, select a day from the section titled, "", where XXX is the month of the year
    • In the province of Massa Carrara, there is no separate page on the APT MASSA CARRARA web site for events – In English, French, Italian
    • In the province of Pisa, there is no separate page on the APT PISA web site for events – In English, Italian
    • In the province of Pistoia, from the main page of AGENZIA PER IL TURISMO ABETONE PISTOIA MONTAGNA PISTOIESE – In English, German, Italian (Please note: While it states an English and German version, only Italian works) – select Eventi
    • In the province of Prato, from the main page of APT PRATO – In English, German, Italian – select Events
    • In the province of Siena, from the main page of Terre di Siena – In English, Italian, Japanese – select Eventi
  • Tuscany Tourist Offices & Information – Source: AngloINFO Tuscany – "Life in Tuscany, in English!"
MISCELLANEOUS
* = Blog entry has been updated.

If anyone has any suggestions for other sites and links for reference, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry. For your specific interest, please search the web for further information using Google

Please note: If you want me to reply to your comment or request for further information by email, please include your email address in a separate comment. I will NOT publish any comments with an email address in it.

That's it for Tuesday, 13 May 2008: martedì, 13 maggio 2008

Ciao, Ben

Moving2Italy2 – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

Today’s quote is an Italian proverb, author unknown.

"Se sono rose, fioriranno."
"Time will tell."

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 23 May 2008)

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posted by 2italy2 at 8:50 AM 0 comments links to this post

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Friday, May 02, 2008

Info on Trade shows in Italy

Here are some links on Trade shows in Italy:

LISTS
  • Exhibitions and Trade Shows in Chemistry in Italy – In English, French, German – Source: Conference Service Mandl – "One of the most complete scientific conference calendars on the Web"
  • Fairs in Italy – Source: italtrade.com – "The Made in Italy Official Portal"
  • Italian Trade Shows and Exhibitions – by industry or by city or by date – In English, French, German, Italian, Spanish – Source: fiere.traveleurope.it
  • Italy – Source: ExpoCentral.com – "...Your Online Guide To The Worldwide Marketplace" – "Welcome to the most popular and comprehensive Web Directory of Events!"
  • Italy Trade Shows – Source: Trade Show Center – "Trade shows for importers of China and Asia-made Products"
  • Trade Shows in Italy (Europe) – Source: EventsEye – "The Eye on the Events" – "Welcome to the most Complete, Practical and Reliable Free Web Source dedicated to key Exhibitions & Trade Shows Worldwide." – In English, French
  • Trade Show in Italy – Source: biztradshows – "The largest directory of trade fairs and business events brings you an exhaustive coverage of exhibitions, trade shows & expositions, conferences and seminars for various industries worldwide. You can browse through the most comprehensive information on individual trade events worldwide, along with their event profile, organizer, exhibitor and visitor profile, venues and dates to plan your participation much in advance."
MISCELLANEOUS
* = Blog entry has been updated.

If anyone has any suggestions for other sites and links for reference, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry. For your specific interest, please search the web for further information using Google .

By attending a trade show in Italy related to your business or occupation, you may be able to deduct part or all of your travel, lodging and meal expenses on you USA Federal/state income taxes. However, I would highly suggest speaking/consulting with a tax professional about your own specific tax situation before taking any deductions.

By the way, the reason that I provide so many separate lists is because while there is some overlap from one list to another, not one list is all inclusive of all trade shows.

That's it for Friday, 2 May 2008: venerdì, 2 maggio 2008.

Ciao, Ben

Moving2Italy2 – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

PS

Happy Birthday, Maria!! Have a wonderful day and many happy memories.

Love, Papa and Missy

Today’s quote is a Sicilian proverb, author unknown.
"Prisintarisi panza e prisenza."
"It is said of those who have nothing, only try to obtain by not being able to give anything."

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

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posted by 2italy2 at 8:32 PM 1 comments links to this post

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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Info about Cantine Aperte (25 May, 2008) in Italy

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 23 May 2008)

Here are the links for Cantine Aperte, 25 May, 2008:
MISCELLANEOUS
OTHER EVENTS
* = Blog entry has been updated.

The above links are current. In the event of a broken link or if anyone has any suggestions for other sites, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update and/or correct this blog entry.

My wife and I have attended Cantine Aperte, four times in the past 5 years, once in Tuscany and in Marche and twice in Umbria.

While most of the samplings of wine are free, at some cantinas, fattorias and agricolas, there may be an additional charge for their premium wines and/or they may ask for a contribution to defray food costs.

Please note: If a cantina is not a member of the Movimento Turismo del Vino, it is not listed above. Some regions have not provided information about their respective participation in Cantine Aperte. As soon as I see it on the Movimento Turismo del Vino web site, I'll update this blog entry. If anyone has any information on Cantine Aperte they would like to share or an update, please feel free to post it as a comment or send me an email MSG.

That's it for Tuesday, 29 April 2008: martedì, 29 aprile 2008

Ciao, Ben

Moving2Italy2 – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

Today’s quote is an Italian proverb, author unknown.

"Tra il dire e il fare c'è di mezzo il mare."
"Easier said than done."

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 23 May 2008)

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posted by 2italy2 at 8:55 AM 0 comments links to this post

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Friday, February 29, 2008

Info about Toilets in Italy

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 5 March 2008)

Here are some links and comments and observations about toilets in Italy:

VARIOUS LINKS
COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS
  • The words for men’s room is uomo and women’s room is donna (or some language variation) or there are international symbols on the door or they are unisex. Yes, Virginia, that means a man may be standing outside the door waiting to enter the facilities.
  • Many toilets (WC or bagno) in Italy are NOT free! You will usually need a 50 cent piece for entry.
  • The toilets on the Autostrata toll roads (read Interstate) are usually free but the attendant leaves a plate for tips, you can leave a 10 or 20 cent piece or nothing.
  • While we are talking about toilets, they come in all shapes and sizes.
  • To flush an Italian toilet, there may be a small push-up metal rod or a string located above the toilet seat on the bottom of the water tank or to the side of the water tank or there is a metal, rubber or plastic button next to it on the wall or on it but you will need to look for it.
  • Usually, there are no handles on the water tank or foot levers.
  • You may run into some toilets without running water and/or toilet paper.
  • Be prepared and bring a few packages of Kleenex or something equivalent. A waterless hand sanitizer is nice to have with you.
  • PLEASE NOTE: There are a large number of toilets in Italy without seats. You may have to squat.
If anyone has any suggestions for other sites and links for reference, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry. For your specific interest, please search the web for further information using Google .

Please note: If you want me to reply to your comment or request for further information by email, please include your email address in a separate comment. I will NOT publish any comments with an email address in it.

That's it for Friday, 29 February 2008: venerdì, 29 febbraio 2008.

Ciao, Ben

Moving2Italy2 – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

Today’s quote is a Sicilian proverb, author unknown.

"Si frivaru nun frivìa, marzu nun erburìa."
"If February doesn't do its thing, the March landscape its green won't bring."

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 5 March 2008)

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posted by 2italy2 at 11:26 AM 2 comments links to this post

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Friday, February 15, 2008

Info about the Autostrade per l'Italia

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 29 February 2008)

Here are some links about the Autostrade per l'Italia:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE
TOLL PAYMENT
  • TELEPASS.IT – an electronic toll collection system in Italy using a wireless transponder usually placed on the windshield of the vehicle – In Italian Only
  • Toll Payment – In English, Italian – AISCAT (Associazione Italiana Società Concessionaire Autostrade e Trafori) – Primarily in Italian, English version of some sections of this website
  • TOLLS
    • ENTRY
      • There are separate and restricted lanes for entry onto the Autostrata. There are two types of lanes. One lane is marked either with a sign or with the word, “Biglietto” (ticket) and you take the toll ticket from the machine. The other lane is exclusively for clients utilizing the “TELEPASS” system. This lane is marked with a large yellow sign with the words in blue: “TELEPASS”.
      • If you are in the lane marked “Biglietto” (ticket), please lookout for the cars using the “TELEPASS” system. They do NOT stop or slow down as they enter the Autostrata.
      • Due to the amount of traffic entering the Autostrata behind you, it will be extremely difficult to back up out of the wrong lane.
    • EXIT
      • There are separate and restricted lanes for payment when exiting from the Autostrata. You can pay by credit card, by cash (sometimes there are unattended booths) and by prepayment: TELEPASS or VIACARD – a prepaid card system for the Autostrata. There are 3 types of payment exits on the Autostrata:
        • One lane is exclusively for “TELEPASS”. This lane is marked with a large yellow sign with the words in blue: “TELEPASS”.
        • Another lane is for “VIACARD” and credit cards. This lane is marked with a large blue sign with the words in white: “CARTE”.
        • The last type of payment lane is marked with a large white sign with a picture of coins and bills on it. Usually, there is an attendant. However, this lane at some exits may be an unattended booth but it will accept coins, bills and credit cards.
        • Please approach and enter the correct payment lane. While exiting from the Autostrata, you may only have just a few seconds to decide which lane to choose. If in doubt, choose the lane with a large white sign with a picture of coins and bills on it.
    • Please note: Depending on the size of the actual entry points or exits for the Autostrata, there may be multiple combinations of lanes.
    • Please do not enter the Autostrata without some change or some small denomination of bills or a credit card because some of the exits off the Autostrata are unattended.
TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
  • Infoviabilità – Real Time Traffic – In Italian Only
  • Info - mobility – Listing of various sources for traffic conditions – In English, Italian – AISCAT (Associazione Italiana Società Concessionaire Autostrade e Trafori) – Primarily in Italian, English version of some sections of this website
  • ISORADIO – From RAI – In Italian Only
MISCELLANEOUS
* = Blog entry has been updated.

The above links are current. If anyone has any suggestions for other sites, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry. For your specific interest, please search the web for further information using Google .

Please note: If you want me to reply by email, please include your email address in a separate comment. I will NOT publish any comments with an email address.

That's it for Friday, 15 February 2008: venerdì, 15 febbraio 2008.

Ciao, Ben

Moving2Italy2 – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.

Today’s quote is an Italian proverb, author unknown.

"Sfortuna al gioco, fortuna in amore."
"Unlucky at cards, lucky in love."

Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 29 February 2008)

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posted by 2italy2 at 9:35 AM 1 comments links to this post

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Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Info for Guests Staying in the Guest House at Podere Covivole

(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 18 March 2008)

FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN ITALY

INFORMATION FOR GUESTS STAYING IN THE GUEST HOUSE
AT PODERE COVIVOLE

THINGS TO BRING

  1. Wash cloths – There are usually no wash cloths in Italian hotels or in B&Bs.
  2. A small, bright flashlight with extra batteries for yourself and for each individual traveling with you.
  3. Electrical plug adapters for AC adapters and/or battery chargers for dual voltage items, i.e., digital cameras, iPods, MP3 players, cell phones, hair dryers, etc. We had a friend forget the difference in power here – 220v. She had the correct electric plug adapter but her battery charger was 110v only. She had to throw away her battery charger because it was fried.
  4. If you use film in your camera, it is very expensive in Italy, be sure to bring extra film with you.
  5. AAA, American Express or some large banks will sell you a starter pack of Euros. We would suggest a minimum of at least €100.00 in denominations of some combination of €10 or €20 bills. This will allow you to have some walking around money for a taxi, a small meal or snack and/or for a beverage before you have to find an ATM (bancomat).
  6. If you plan to go to one of the local spas (terme) or swimming, please bring a pair of flip flops to wear. Also, especially if you go to the spa, bring an old swim suit, not a new one, the waters are full of minerals and may leave a lingering odor.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE STATES
  1. Be sure to tell your credit card companies and bank (respective security departments) that you’ll be travelling in Europe. You will usually need to provide start and end dates plus countries you’ll be visiting or passing through via the airport, in the event of a delayed flight. It is not funny when your credit card or ATM card stops working and you do not have enough cash in your pocket.
    • Please write down the phone numbers for your credit card companies and your banks ATM cards that you have in your possession. You should have their respective 800 numbers and the long distance number with area codes
  2. Start TODAY! Start walking, one of the biggest complaints that we have heard on our trips to Italy, is people walk everywhere and the “tourist” didn’t know how far they had to walk each day to get to where they were going. At many of the hilltop towns in Italy, vehicle traffic is restricted. Sometimes, you will need to walk up the hill to the town from where you parked your car.
  3. Another Start TODAY! Learn a few Italian phrases: hello (salve or ciao), goodbye (arrivederci or ciao), please (per favore) and thank you (grazie) and the greetings for different times of day: good morning (buon giorno), good afternoon/evening (buona sera) and good night (buona notte). Many libraries have language tapes, CDs and DVDs you can borrow. It is very easy for Americans to substitute very bad Spanish for Italian and feel like they are communicating. Be a polite visitor and learn the few words that will open doors for you and reward you with big smiles. Please review the reference blog entry listed below under REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES: Info on Italian Phrases
  4. If you rent a car, be sure to go to AAA to get an International Drivers Permit (IDP). The cost is about $15.00 to $20.00 and 2 photographs. While most rental car agencies do not list an IDP as a requirement for driving in Italy on their respective web sites, you will be fined by the Italian police if in the event you have an accident or you are stopped by the police and do not have an IDP in your possession along with a valid driver’s license.
  5. When you rent a car in Italy, there is mandatory CDW and theft insurance. Depending on the rental car web site, it may be possible to book a rental without CDW and theft insurance but YOU are financially responsible for whatever happens to the rental car. Yes, it will add to the cost of your rental but cars get damage in parking lots and elsewhere and many times, no one leaves a name and number or contact information after it happens.
  6. Make 3 copies of your passport, driver’s license and credit cards and keep one separate from your other travel documents. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and give one copy to your traveling companion.
  7. Remember pack light! If you wear something multiple times, who is going to notice. Martha and I have traveled to Europe and Hong Kong with just 1 medium or 2 small roll-on bags, plus a carry-on for snacks, beverage, medications and/or a change of clothes.
  8. We never brought a whole guide book with us in all the years that we traveled abroad. We made copies of sections of guidebooks or just took the applicable pages cut out of the guidebook with us.
  9. Never pack any medications and/or valuables in your checked luggage. Place them in your carry-on. Pack your checked luggage with your identification (home, contact information, travel information and itinerary inside the checked luggage) and attach distinct and identifiable luggage tags with your name, phone numbers and email address to each checked piece of luggage as if you might be separated from it for at least a day or more after arrival.
  10. Buy travel insurance for your trip to Italy. In the event you, your travel companion or a family member gets sick or something comes up, you will not be penalized for lost deposits or changing your flight arrangements. Please review the reference blog entry listed below under REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES: Info on travel insurance for Italy and beyond
  11. Buy the travel size containers for hair spray, lotions, shaving cream, tooth paste, etc. You do not need the large size while traveling for a week to 10 days or whatever the length of your trip.
  12. One last thing, please check with your respective airline and TSA on current luggage and carry-on restrictions including weight and on duty free purchases via connecting airports (hubs).
WHILE IN ITALY AND/OR STAYING AT THE GUEST HOUSE
  1. AIRPORT/TRAIN STATION PICKUP AND/OR DROP OFF SERVICE
    • Upon prior arrangements and payment, guests may be met at the airport in Firenze (FLR), Pisa (PSA) or Rome (FCO) or (CIA) and by request at the train stations in Arezzo, Siena or Monte San Savino. The rationale for the pickup service at the airports is to provide the guest an opportunity to recover from jet lag and not get behind the wheel of a rental car in a foreign country after a long flight from the States or wander around unfamiliar train stations and train platforms.
    • As part of the pickup service, the following day after a night’s sleep, the guests will be driven to the rental car location of their choice in Arezzo. Friends and Family in Italy recommends contacting auto europe for your rental car while in Italy. auto europe is a broker for Hertz, Avis, Europacar, etc. and you can still get your frequent flyer program points and/or miles.
    • The fee for the pickup or drop off is the following for 2 individuals:
  2. ATMs (AKA BANCOMATS)
    1. When in Italy plan to use one of the local bank’s ATMs (Bancomats) to withdraw Euros. We NEVER use a local cambio, money exchange service or a stand-alone ATM machine with no identification on it. Check with your bank before leaving your home country to find out any additional fees to use foreign ATMs. Please make sure your pin number has the correct amount of digits (4), with NO leading zeros.
  3. AUTOSTRATA
    • They are a national network of high speed and tolls road in Italy. Here are 2 important facts:
      • TOLLS
        • There are separate and restricted lanes for entry onto the Autostrata. You will enter the lane marked, “Biglietto” (ticket). The other lane is identified with the words in blue, “TELEPASS” on a yellow background and is for the exclusive use of vehicles equipped wiih a TELEPASS wireless device mounted on their respective vehicle. TELEPASS is an automated Italian toll collection wireless device.
        • There are separate and restricted lanes for payment when exiting from the Autostrata. You can pay by credit card, by cash (sometimes there are unattended booths) and by prepayment: TELEPASS or VIACARD. This lane is marked with a large yellow sign with the words in blue: “TELEPASS” or a blue sign with the words in white: “VIACARD” or "CARTE". Please approach and enter the correct payment lane. You may have only seconds to decide which lane to choose. If in doubt, choose the lane that has an attendant. It is indicated by a picture of coins and bills. However, this may also be an unattended booth that will accept coins, bills and credit cards.
        • Please do not enter the Autostrata without some change or some small denomination of bills or a credit card because some of the exits off the Autostrata are unattended.
        • Please review the reference blog entry listed below under REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES: Info about the Autostrade per l'Italia
      • ROUTE INDICATORS/NUMBERS
        • In Italy, the way to the Autostrata is usually indicated with a green colored sign, pointing in the direction to the entrance to the toll road.
        • On an Italian map, you will see the capital letter “A” followed by a number. This is the designation for the different national Autostrata roads in Italy. For example, the "A1" is the major north/south highway, from Milan (Milano) to Naples (Napoli). However, on a Michelin or another map, you may see the capital letter “E” followed by a different number than the Italian one. This is the European road number. For example, "E35" is the European road number for the major north/south highway also known as "A1". To add to the confusion, from Rome (Roma) to Naples (Napoli), it is called the "E45". You may see both numbers on a map but if you ask an Italian for directions to the Autostrata, they will always use the “A” designator except for truck drivers.
  4. BUSINESS HOURS
    • The usual hours of operation are from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. However, Italy is a country of contrasts and you’ll find exceptions to the above mentioned hours.
    • Whenever you see the words “orario continuato”, it means continuous hours on a sign in front of the store. This store will be open (aperto) during the mid-day break or closure. On Sunday, many stores will be closed (chiuso).
    • Most of the restaurants at rest stops and service stations on the Autostrata will be open during the mid-day break. There will be a choice of small sandwiches and beverages. The hot food and meal service will be limited to lunch (il pranzo) and dinner (la cena) hours. The exception to this is if the rest stop has a fast food franchise, e.g., Burger King, etc. and they may be open as late as 10:00 P.M.
  5. CAR SERVICE
    • For guests staying at the guest house, Friends and Family in Italy will provide a car service for those individuals that either do not wish to drive in Italy or would like to be driven somewhere for the day.
    • The cost for the Car Service will be $45.00 per day plus Autostrata tolls and any parking fees payable in Euros.
    • Payment for the Car Service will be in advance and by prior arrangement.
    • Please note that the Car Service is separate from the “AIRPORT/TRAIN STATION PICKUP AND/OR DROP OFF SERVICE” mentioned above.
  6. COFFEE
    • There is no take-out coffee like in the States. If you like to have a big cup of coffee with you to sip on for the ride somewhere, please bring your own thermal travel cup. We have an American style coffee maker and we will be happy to fill your cup before you leave. If you have a favorite brand of coffee, you might want to bring that too. Starbucks, Folgers, Maxwell House and flavored coffees are a dream not yet realized here in Italy.
    • Unless you ask for “Americano” coffee, you will get a very small cup with a few ounces of “cafe” or “expresso” in it.
    • Please review the reference blog entry listed below under REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES: Info on how to order coffee/expresso in Italy
  7. CREDIT CARDS FROM THE USA
    • VISA and MasterCard are the two most widely accepted credit cards in Italy followed by American Express and Diners Club.
    • It should be noted that outside of the major tourist attractions areas and in many small towns, credit cards are NOT accepted for payment. These establishments expect payment in cash (Euros).
    • CAVEAT: On Sundays at service stations (read gas) not on the Autostrata, your credit card from an USA issuer may not work at the self-service gasoline (senza piombo) or diesel (gasoil) pumps.
    • In the 22+ years of either living in or coming to Europe, I have not seen an establishment honor the DISCOVER credit card.
  8. DRIVING IN ITALY
  9. GPS USAGE
    • Please be aware that 80% of Italy is covered by GPS maps from various vendors. I have used Microsoft Autoroute 2006 on my laptop with a Holux GPS receiver to navigate around France and Italy. It is great to go from one city to another but it did have difficulty in finding specific Italian addresses. I had to use Maporama or Via Michelin to actually locate the address or nearest street I was going to in Italy.
    • Also be aware that you may not be sent the most direct route using a GPS unit.
  10. INTERNET ACCESS
    • At this time, there is NO internet access from the Guest house. There are no internet cafes in Monte San Savino. The local comune (town) tourist office offers free internet access but it is on a first come basis and on specific days and hours.
    • Please review the reference blog entry listed below under REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES: Info about Cyber Cafes and Internet Points in Italy
  11. MONEY
    • It is called the EURO.
      • The paper denominations are €5, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.
      • The coins are 1 cent, 2 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, 1 Euro and 2 Euro.
    • It is suggested to carry smaller denominations of bills with you. However, most ATMs (bancomats) will give you 100 and 50 Euro bills for a maximum withdraw of 250 Euro per transaction. Do not carry a lot of cash with or on you! Only withdraw from the ATM what you need for the day or a couple days.
    • No matter where you are, most cashiers will ask for exact change or for you to come as close as possible to the amount.
  12. PAY PHONES
    • Usually do NOT accept coins! However, to call emergency numbers, you do not need a prepayment card.
    • One has to use a prepayment card to operate the pay phone. The prepayment card has a magnetic strip on it, These cards are usually available from tabbachi locations (many tobacco shops/newsstands). There is usually a sign out front with a capital “T” in white on either a blue or black background.
  13. PARKING
    • Be sure to legally park your rental car! Even though, other cars may be illegally parked even where you left your car, your vehicle may get towed and fined. Please note these are considered separate events and incidents. All fees and fines are payable in Euros. You may go to one place to pay for the towing charge and another location to pay for the parking violation and they usually do not accept credit cards for payment, cash only.
    • If you park your car in a city or large town and not in a parking garage, you will need to look for a machine that will print a receipt for parking. You will need to leave the receipt displayed and visible on the dash of the rental car.
    • In some towns, they may use the parking disk system. If your rental car is not equipped with a parking disk, please leave a piece a paper visible on the dash with your time of arrival.
  14. POLLEN SEASON
    • From March until June, it is pollen season in Italy. We have not seen any OTC (over the counter) medications for allergies. If you have allergies, please bring your medications with you when you travel to Italy.
  15. REFUELING RENTAL CARS
    • Be sure to use and select the right fuel for your vehicle. If you have any doubts or questions (if you are at the right type of fuel pump for your rental car), please ask.
      • The words at the service station for diesel are gasoil and diesel. There is a super and pricier diesel but your rental car does not usually require it unless specifically stated.
      • The words for lead free gasoline are “senza piombo benzina”.
    • Along the Autostrata, the service stations usually have an attendant that will operate the appropriate fuel pump.
    • If you see the words, “Fai Da Te”, it means self service and you operate the fuel pump yourself.
  16. RENTAL CARS
    • The nearest city for rental cars is in Arezzo. The rental car locations in Arezzo will be approximately 20 – 30 minutes away from the guest house.
    • Friends and Family in Italy recommends contacting auto europe for your rental car requirements while in Italy.
    • auto europe is a broker for Hertz, Avis, Europacar, etc. and you can still get your frequent flyer program points and/or miles.
    • You can usually rent a vehicle in one location and drop it off at a different one for no additional charge. However, please recheck this before you sign the forms.
  17. RESTAURANTS (RISTORANTE)
    • Ethnic restaurants are normally in the big cities of Italy and you will not find the variety of cuisines that you’ll find in the States. Remember, you did not come to Italy to eat Thai or Mexican or non-European food. While in Italy, try to eat at restaurants that do not cater to tourists. However, it you are tired and hungry, eat anywhere that you want.
    • There is usually a service charge and you may see the words, “servizio compreso (service included) ” and/or a cover charge called a coperto and it is a per person charge. You will see the word “coperto” somewhere on the menu or on a sign as you enter the restaurant.
    • Some individuals get overwhelmed in a restaurant in Italy because they think they have to order an appetizer, first (primi) and second (secondi) courses and desert. Let me tell you that you can order what you want.
    • CAVEAT: Please be aware that meat dishes are served rare (al sangue) to medium (a puntino). You will need to be very specific with the server and ask for a meat entrée to be well-done (ben cotto).
    • One usually does not leave a tip. However, if there was no servizio/coperto or exceptional service/food or you paid with a credit card and you may leave a few Euro coins (€1 or €2) or a €5 bill or some combination of bills and coins on the table depending on the size of the check. You do this for credit cards because there is no separate space on the credit card slip for a tip.
    • When you want the check, you will need to ask for it and tell your wait person, “Il conto, per favore”. All restaurants are required by law to provide you with a written or printed check (receipt). Please do not discard the check before you leave the restaurant. You may be asked for the check after you leave this restaurant by the Guardia Finanzia. In the 16+ years that Martha and I (either separately or together) have been coming to Italy, this has never happen to us.
  18. TABBACI
    • At many tobacco shops/newsstands), besides cigarettes, you can buy bus tickets, add time to your Italian SIM card for cell phone and/or buy prepayment cards for the pay telephone.
    • There is usually a sign out front with a capital “T” in white on either a blue or black background.
    • In Napoli (Naples), you can buy a combination ticket that is valid for bus and Circumvesuviana (regional rail) travel.
  19. TOILETS
    • The words for men’s room is uomo and women’s room is donna or there are international symbols on the door or they are unisex.
    • Many toilets (WC or bagno) in Italy are NOT free! You will need a 50 cent piece for entry. The toilets on the Autostrata toll roads (read Interstate) are usually free but the attendant leaves a plate for tips, you can leave a 10 or 20 cent piece or nothing.
    • While we are talking about toilets, they come in all shapes and sizes. To flush an Italian toilet, there may be a small push-up metal rod or a string located above the toilet seat on the bottom of the water tank or to the side of the water tank or there is a metal, rubber or plastic button next to it on the wall or on it but you will need to look for it. No handles on the water tank or foot levers. You may run into some without running water and/or toilet paper.
    • Be prepared and bring a few packages of Kleenex or something equivalent. A waterless hand sanitizer is nice to have with you.
    • PLEASE NOTE: There are a many toilets in Italy without seats. You will have to squat.
    • Please review the reference blog entry listed below under REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES: Info about Toilets in Italy
  20. TOURIST OFFICES
    • They can usually be found whenever you see a sign with a small "i" in script on it.
    • Many official tourist offices will have the abbreviations, "APT" on it. APT means "agenzie per il turismo" or "agency for tourism" followed by the name of the city, region or location.
    • APTs offer "free" information but some maps and/or pamphlets may not be free.
    • Depending on the size of the town or office, there may not be an English speaker available and/or literature in English.
    • One should be aware that not all "tourist offices" are associated with a city, region or location. While they can be helpful, their primary purpose is to sell tours or something to tourists and visitors to a location.
    • Please review the reference blog entry listed below under REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES: Info on Regional Tourist Offices and Web Sites in Italy
  21. TRANSPORTATION
    • BUS TICKETS
      • You can buy bus tickets at Tabbachi locations (many tobacco shops/newsstands). There is usually a sign out front with a capital “T” in white on either a blue or black background.
    • TRAIN TICKETS
      • You can buy them at the train station at a ticket counter or from a machine for first or second class travel.
      • During holiday travel, be sure to reserve a seat or it can be a very long journey standing up for hours.
      • For train travel on Trenitalia, you can buy tickets online via the internet.
    • TAXIS
      • If you use a taxi to go somewhere, ALWAYS ask the cab driver for the approximate cost of the fare. You can usually negotiate your cab fare with the driver. If you think it’s too much, tell him and be prepared to walk away and talk to another cab driver. Current guidebooks should give you an idea of the approximate fare for the city you are visiting. Also, write down the name of your destination on an index card or print the directions from the hotel web site and hand it to the driver.
    • VALIDATION OF TICKETS
      • You must validate your bus, funicular, train, tram, street car (trolley) or subway ticket. On the bus, tram, trolley, it is usually a yellow box on the vehicle. For trains and subways, it usually on the platform. Failure to do so may result in a fine and its payable on the spot. Please review the reference blog entry listed below under REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES: Info on validating tickets for bus, train, etc, in Italy
  22. WALKING/JOGGING
    • We live out in the country off of a 2 lane road. There are NO sidewalks, please walk/jog facing traffic.
    • There are trails and hiking trails on our property and in the surrounding area. You should be aware that there are cinghiale (wild boar) in the woods. They are nocturnal animals and should not be a problem during the daylight hours. It is recommended to carry a walking stick(s) with you. We have some you can borrow.
    • If you jog in the early morning hours before sunrise or just after sunrise or at dusk, please wear a reflective vest or markings and facing traffic.
  23. WATER
    • The water at the guest house is from a spring and is not filtered. It has been tested and it is safe to drink.
    • At restaurants, you will be asked if you would wish water with your meal. There is a choice of bottled or filter water: “naturale” – without gas or “con gassata (or frizzante)” – with gas. You can order “piccolo” – small, half liter – or “grande” – large, one to one and half liters.
    • At takeout places, gasoline stations, elsewhere, you can select your beverage of choice.
    • Many Italians do NOT drink tap water for many reasons, e.g., age of pipes, taste, etc.
DIFFERENCES YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF IN ITALY
  1. You need a €1 coin to use a cart in food/grocery stores which are located outside the store. Grocery carts are NOT free in Italy.
  2. You will pay for the convenience of plastic bags in food/grocery stores and some other stores.
  3. You will pay MORE to sit down and drink your caffé/expresso than if you stand up at the counter.
  4. Sometimes at food/beverage stands, you stand in a line and pay first with a cashier (cassa) for your food items and get a receipt to order your food/beverage choices in another line or location.
  5. Other times, when at a bar either in the morning or later, you order you beverage and/or snack from the person behind the counter. After you eat and/or drink, then you pay. Watch and see how other people pay for their respective items.
  6. If you wear dark sunglasses please take them off when you walk into a store or restaurant. Italians like to interact and see your eyes. Dark sunglasses prevent that and make them feel like Americans are cold. Men should also remember to take off their baseball hats.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
  1. You are in the Central European Time (CET) zone, (GMT+1). There is a 6 hour difference from the East Coast and 9 hours from the West Coast of the USA.
  2. Cellular phones in Italy use GSM frequencies. If you have a GSM cell phone that is tri-band or quad band from AT&T (Cingular) or T-Mobile, it can be used here in Italy but their rates are very expensive. The rate can be anywhere from $1.00 to $2.00+ per minute for receiving and making calls from your cell phone. It is dependant on your USA cellular network provider's calling plan for actual rates and charges for overseas cell phone usage. However, you can usually get your USA GSM cell phone unlocked and if it is tri-band or quad band, you can pick up a SIM card from an Italian cellular network provider (TIM, Vodaphone, WIND, etc.) for use in Italy. It should be noted that with an Italian SIM card, receiving calls are free in Italy.
    • Several years ago, I had my USA bought Nokia cell phone unlocked for under $5.00 and bought a SIM card from TIM. By doing so, we were able to make and confirm reservations at restaurants, hotels, etc. and get directions to these establishments whenever we got lost.
    • BTW, my wife and I have unlocked, quad band Motorola RAZR cell phones that we bought on eBay. We have SIM cards from TIM.
  3. PAYMENT
    • Friends and Family in Italy accepts credit cards only by using PayPal. Also, we will accept Euros not dollars to settle your account.
  4. CONTACT INFORMATION
    • ADDRESS
      • Podere Covivole
      • Gargonza 81
      • 52048 Monte San Savino (AR)
      • Italia
    • PHONE NUMBERS – From the States, dial 011 first (+ country code)
      • House (casa): (+39) 0575 84 7059
      • Ben's Cell: (+39) 333 640 2651
      • Martha’s Cell: (+39) 331 533 1014
RESOURCES

REFERENCE BLOG ENTRIES