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Hi Cheryl, We went to the GP this year and it was the first thing that came into my wifes head when she was joining:o no other reason I'm afraid.

Thanks to all again for the replies. Taking into account what people have said regarding utilities and other expenditure I'm genuinely suprised that some of you say that E1400 wouldn't be enough to live on! What do you spend all the extra money on? Looking at the worst case senario I can only account for E900 per month not including running a car and health insurance! :(

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I thought it must have been the cars:) I went to the race once and swore I would never go again. Had to walk for miles across the fields under the sun. All to see extremely noisy cars that went so fast you couldn't see 'em anyway.

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We were lucky enough to have really good seats for all three days of practice, qualifying and race day and we could see a fair bit of the track. The big difference in Monza was the atmosphere. The walk from the courtesy bus was long and it was hot but, the Italians were on good form and added to the whole event but, I can see that unless your an F1 fan the whole thing could be weary.

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You obviously enjoy your cars. Down here we have one of the biggest proving grounds in Europe with the world famous circular track. All the major sports car makers go there such as Ferrari, Porsche, Daimler, Aston Martin, JLR,Bentley, Maserati etc. and you often see them pass when they do external routes. It is the ex Fiat circuit and their website is

www.nardotechnicalcenter.it

if you want to have a look. It's where the BBC Top Gear recently filmed an episode of the new series.

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Boy, ain't that the truth!

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:)Ciao monza,
I'm wondering if you have perhaps underestimated the cost of food as well. Meat and dairy products tend to be expensive. Yes, in season fruit and veg, or home grown, are cheap enough; but anything out of season turns expensive. Then there is domestic maintenace. Even if you are good at D.I.Y. there will be times when you need to call in a professional; especially if you own the property. If you are in a condominium they will always invent some extra expense somewhere along the line. Also, look carefully at the costs of runninbg a car. Depending where you are, insurance can go through the roof; and if the car is not a new one, you won't get fully comprehensive. On or off road you will have to pay the 'bollo' which is not 'road tax' but 'possession tax'. My advice would be, when you have worked out an estimated budget, double it.
ciao for now,
'o nonno

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Hi! I retired to Le Marche 2.5 years ago and can thoroughly recommend it. I sold up in the UK, bought an apartment outright here so have just living expenses. Utilities are more expensive, difficult to say re food as it depends on what you pay in the UK. Car insurance and tax are high here, the 'prima casa' tax exemption will vanish so can't say what that will be but hopefully nowhere near the Council Tax. Wine is wonderfully cheap and good, especially if you buy it direct from the local cantina. I have received nothing but kindness from the people here, even though I am slow in learning Italian everybody I meet tries to help if needed. Countryside is wonderful, beaches are magnificent - couldn't ask for anything more. If you want any further info re help in finding property let me know and I can pass on my contacts. Ciao!

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Hi all,

Thanks again for all your replies.

Keysha, we are coming over in March to have a look at property in Le Marche & Abruzzo. Any contacts you have would be a great help.

Bob.

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Not a problem - easiest way is for you to contact Gabriele Mircoli at [email protected]. he speaks excellent English, having worked in London for 20 years. He found my property and a house for a friend of mine. Just tell him that Hazel gave you his details. If you want any more info my e-mail is... SNIP..... Would be more than happy to meet up with you when you are over - I have friends who are opening a small boutique style hotel at Easter if you want a lovely place to stay.
Kindest regards,
Hazel

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Thankyou Hazel. We'll get in contact with him before we come. Bob.

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It would be a good idea to contact him a few weeks before you intend to come to Italy with an idea of what you are looking for so he can be prepared.
The property buying process is a tad different over here - if you want more info before you come, e-mail me as it is faster and easier than writing screeds here. Ciao! Hazel:)

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Meat expensive! you aint kidding, I went in the COOP today and glanced at the meat its mind blowing expensive, has it all just gone up? I am sure I would have noticed before, no wonder people eat song birds down here, I noticed they all collect the snails in the garden, I think LIDL must be absolutely miles cheaper , I wonder how restaurants do it? I had a big steak and chips plus salad recently and it was less than 40 euro for 2 with beers, I wonder why people go in the COOP?, I am positive the little supermarkets are cheaper than the COOP