A Grand Retirement Adventure by Alan Blake: Part 8

Odd observations:   If you are coming to Italy, be sure to have a credit card that does not charge for foreign transaction fees. Several competing companies have such cards and, in the long run, can provide considerable savings to a traveler. Very few merchants do not take credit cards. Do not withdraw money from […]

A Grand Retirement Adventure by Alan Blake: Part 7

The winter is definitely the off season in Tuscany. The streets in the small towns often have few people, except on weekends and holidays. Many of the restaurants and stores in Montepulciano are closed. The temperature has generally been in the 40s and 50s, and there may be light rain once per week or so.  […]

A Grand Retirement Adventure by Alan Blake: Part 6

We have been in Montepulciano for three weeks. Due to COVID and cooler weather, we go out sparingly.  We go to the supermercato and some other stores for food. We have tried two pizza places for “fast food” to take home. I did not come to Italy for pizza, but we have found a place […]

A Grand Retirement Adventure by Alan Blake: Part 5

If staying on a long-term visa, as permisso da soggiorno must be completed within eight business days of arrival. The kit is obtained from the post office. The Italian postal service offers services in addition to mail, including a place to pay bills, a place to submit some types of forms, and banking. Generally expect […]