Capo Boi

I would imagine, but feel free to correct me, that anyone attending Oxford (and I have not mentioned the university) would study 'medieval' history - studies or whatever. (English Sancho....Hmmm).

FreddyBee

I assume that Capo Boi either is American, or learned American English. "Mediaeval" is the correct English English spelling; in the USA, I would omit the "a." So no, I won't ask for my money back! Ho studiato la storia dell'Italia nel alto Medioeveo, dall'epoca bizantina fino al tempo di Dante.

FreddyBee

Thank you, nicktonight. I expect to have a car eventually, though not at first. I can certainly get a bike. I myself am very attracted to Noto, but some of my Sicilian friends thought there might not be enough going on there for me to find things to do. It seems from what you say that there is a cultural life to enjoy; and I know it has some good restaurants, cafes and bars.

philat98

In Capo Boi's defence Oxford University is currently offering a course entitled "Mst in Medieval Studies".

FreddyBee

I wasn't criticising Capo Boi, just defending myself. I'm 65 and was at university from 1968-75, so they must have adopted the US spelling since then. My original B.A. was in Modern History (which in those days covered 43-1939 AD). My subsequent research was in part on the origins of feudalism and chivalry in northern Italy.

Capo Boi

I was being tongue in cheek. No offence meant. Wish you all the best.

CB.

modicasa

As someone who also has a history degree I can tell you that my degree certificate does indeed say mediaeval - and thats from 1983. So the 'a' is no longer, it is an ex-a. I blame Thatcher/parents/Europe/

VEROVITA

We are also in the Avola/Noto area. We are biased but do think it a wonderful choice. Being on the main highway it gives easy access for spur of the moment excursions in any direction... On the other hand just staying home is also a pleasure. Great internet access, friendly neighbours, fabulous food etc etc...

If you havent already we recommend a visit to Modicasa, he can be trusted to give sound advice.

Good luck with your new adventure!!

FreddyBee

I'm having problems contacting an estate agent in Noto, and I don't know why. The firm is called Eloro Immobiliare. I went in there when I first visited Noto in June and gave them my E-mail address. Subsequently I have E-mailed them four times. I only had one response and that was a question about my first E-mail, asking if I wanted a long-term home (I do). They have ignored every subsequent contact. Maybe they don't handle residential homes?

Can anyone suggest an agent who will help me find a long-term rental home (not vacation, not purchase) in Siracusa, Noto, Scicli, Ragusa, or Modica? I have visited the whole area and love it. I would happily live wherever I can find an enjoyable home. I will be arriving on January 28th., to live temporarily in an Airbnb rental somewhere in the region.

modicasa

If an agency doesnt reply, its because they're not interested. Its rarely because they lose your email. There are very few agencies in noto or Avola that i would recommend - in fact the only one that does some rentals is oikos - Residenziale | oikosimmobiliare
You will have trouble finding a long term (more than 6 months) contract - anything nice, ie near the sea, with views or picturesque is let as a profitable holiday home, so only the ugly unrentable stuff is let long term.
In Modica/Ragausa/Scicli its the same story - longer term lets are all via word of mouth or on subito.it etc - they don't come via the agencies for two reasons. one the agencies don't want them . they're a lot of trouble and no earnings, and 2 the owners dont want to pay the agency for their work, or they dont want to register the contract. It is much more probable and preferable that you will arrive, get in an AirBnB and find something when you are on the ground.

mikelincs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipe...ng_of_Medieval

philat98

I hope you are prepared for the pleasures of Sicilian roads Freddy!

I have just come back from a weekend in Catania. The unsigned labyrinth of streets are narrow, filled with holes, giant puddles, speeding traffic and diversion signs. When we finally found a parking near the fish market and asked the price of the ticket the attendant told us that "only your heart can tell you that".

I hadn't appreciated before that driving in Umbria is so peaceful and serene.

lindanoto

Driving in cities like Catania or Palermo then driving anywhere outside of them in the rest of Sicily is like comparing driving in NYC versus the rest of the State of New York . I find driving here much more relaxing than thru Milano , Francoforte, Roma . Catania is a place I only go for specific things like doctors and certain shops. It is like most big cities, not for me. If the OP is worried about driving in the areas he has written about he has no worries.

FreddyBee

One more question, probably not the last. I had read that I could get a"codice fiscale" in about 7-10 days, but the Italian embassy in London now says it will take 1 1/2 - 2 months. Is it faster if I apply in Italy after I arrive? I already have booked a temporary home for 6 weeks from 28th. January, and need to sign a long-term lease by 4th. March. So I'm evaluating whether to apply here in the UK and have the document sent on to me, or wait and apply in Sicily. Advice will be appreciated!

Margaret M

In both mine and my husbands case, we got our Codices "over the counter" the same day. I say in both cases because we weren't both together on the same day. From what I have read, and been told, it would appear most people find the same when applying in person once here.