The days are cold right now in Ponte a Serraglio, not that I mind a bit if cold weather.
We have had some sunny days.
My daffodils are growing well and soon I will plant pansies on the balcony and the bridge below.
Now it is overcast with occasional rain.
I have been busy with boring stuff, getting the phone working and organising the renewal of my Permesso di Soggiorno. I am convinced that the people who work at the Lucca post office hate their jobs and dedicate their working hours to making customers as miserable as they are. Anyway, after many hours my paperwork has been processed and I have an appointment in April at the Questura, another joyful experience.
Snow is predicted! I hope it happens.
Right now it is cold everywhere in Europe, so some snow will not be surprising…
Bureaucrats belong to the same human race no matter their nationality: they are born to make life miserable and get paid for that.
By: Mulino Dominillo on February 24, 2018
at 6:32 am
The post office workers in Lucca take it to another level. I dread going in there.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 6:52 am
Those post office workers sound quite like the ones we have here in France! I have missed the snow this winter which has fallen in odd places like Paris but not in our corner of the Haute Savoie. Let’s hope for an early spring!
By: MELewis on February 24, 2018
at 7:58 am
I am happy to be out of Brisbane heat, but spring is always welcome.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 11:46 am
Ponte is beautiful in any weather – lovely photos
By: Elizabeth Litzow on February 24, 2018
at 8:22 am
It is always beautiful. That is why we come.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 11:46 am
I just can’t understand why they have to make it so awful! They must be truely unhappy people. The challenge is not to let them get the better of you Deb. Have an Aperol….it just might help!
By: Kerry & Jim on February 24, 2018
at 9:34 am
I don’t get it. I understand that the job might be a bit boring, but if they were nice to people, the customers are happy and the whole thing would make for a more pleasant day all round.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 11:48 am
So awesome photos, keep it up.
By: Travel to Afghanistan on February 24, 2018
at 10:57 am
Thank you.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 11:48 am
[…] via Winter days at Ponte a Serraglio ā Bagni di Lucca and Beyond […]
By: Winter days at Ponte a Serraglio ā Bagni di Lucca and Beyond – Lives changing Through Tourism on February 24, 2018
at 11:03 am
I know how much you love the whole Permesso process…Ha! I hope it turns out to be a bit less stressful this time around.
By: sheilasunshine on February 24, 2018
at 1:34 pm
Lately I have been having more trouble at the post office than the Questura, but every year is different.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 5:31 pm
See you soon….today is organization and packing day…..plowable snaw predicted for tomorrow but milder next week……love the daffodils in bloom…..all I have is forced forthysia in side in bloom. .
By: sealights99 on February 24, 2018
at 1:50 pm
I look forward to seeing you soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 5:30 pm
It’s really a shame that the postal workers have to be so disagreeable and make what is already a difficult process even harder. I’m sure you’re a pro by now!
By: paninigirl on February 24, 2018
at 3:25 pm
I know what to expect, but it doesn’t make it any more pleasant.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 5:30 pm
Perhaps you would know. We would like to stay in Bagni di Lucca for a little over 90 days from the end of June until the end of September. We were told that we would only be allowed to stay 90 days. Is that true? Is it possible to get an extension? How strict are they? Thanks.
By: Joann Poserina on February 24, 2018
at 3:56 pm
Unless you have a European passport you can stay 90 days in 180 days. To extend this you need to get a Visa at an Italian consulate where you live, then get a Permesso di Soggiorno when you arrive in Italy. If you look on my blog in the Official stuff in Italy the process is explained. It is possible, but difficult.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 24, 2018
at 5:29 pm
Thank you. Seems like a lot of (typical) Italian paperwork for an extra week or so. We will make sure to leave on the 90th day. Will you still be there around the 29th of June?
By: Joann Poserina on February 24, 2018
at 11:14 pm
It would not be worth the effort and the cost for an extra week. I will not be here at the end of June and won’t be back until late September.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2018
at 7:06 am
Your photos look great, Deb. Hopefully next year, I shall be in Italy but I
don’t think I will go through the stressful procedure to get a Residenza Elettiva at the Italian Brisbane embassy. They must be closely related to the post office employees at Lucca. Since this wave of illegal immigrants started it seems extremely hard to get a visa for longer than the 90 days that you are allowed visa free. I got my last extended visa in Jan 2014 but it seems even more demanding now. Enjoy your time in Italia, Ciao.
By: Dianne Perrin on February 24, 2018
at 11:05 pm
I know the consulate well. There are indeed more requirements than there were when I began the process about 12 years ago. Jim applied last year and there are several more hoops to jump through.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2018
at 7:08 am
Beautiful pictures of a very beautiful place. Enjoy the cooler weather. It’s still hot and humid here is Brisbane unfortunately. Maybe you could cheer up the postal workers with a plate of homemade (or bought) biscotti? Good luck at the Questura.
By: italia4ever on February 25, 2018
at 1:04 am
I wonder what they would do if I turned up with a treat! The Questura has been a bit easier lately, but it does depend who you get at the counter.
By: Debra Kolkka on February 25, 2018
at 7:09 am
Gorgeous as always Debra!
By: Ishita on February 25, 2018
at 10:15 am
wow šš beautifully captured locations and amazing places
By: coolpeterben on March 14, 2018
at 6:54 am