Rather unlikely but are there any families in Italy who would like to get together, we are based in Tuscany near Siena.  I am also trying to find ‘relaxed’ campsites in Tuscany ones that are not filled with mega campervans and Satelite TV -  any ideas most welcome, fingers crossed. x
Sharon

We are coming to Lippiano in April, is that anywhere near you?

Hi

We would love to see you, we are in the hills overlooking San Giminagno which is really stunning if you get the chance to go there, our nearest town is Poggibonsi.  I have googled the distance from Lippiano and it is just under 2 hours, so quite a trek.  If you are feeling like a long day out we could do you lunch in the garden (vegan, veggi or whatever you like).  My kids are 9 and 5 but love younger children.

http://www.multimap.com/directions/?qs_1=lippiano&countryCode_1=IT&qs_2=poggibonsi&countryCode_2=IT&mode=driving&optimizeFor=time

Sharon x

will send you a PM now!

Hi there!

My husband and I are hoping to spend a year in Italy with our children sometime in the next five years, with a view to possibly staying on there (his job is the main obstacle, but we are working on it!)  Would you mind if I picked your brain a bit on la dolce vita?

My side of the plan is figuring out what to do with the children and schooling while we are there to make it possible for them to come back to their schools if we come back while maximising the value of their time in Italy for them.  My initial idea was to send the little ones (now 2 and 6) to a local state primary—any thoughts on what they are like in the area and whether they are half or full days?  The oldest is 8 now, so would probably be at secondary school by the time we have our act together—I think I would have to home school him in order for him to slide back into his school here.  He is a very keen football player,so I was hoping he could join a local team there to make friends and develop his Italian.  Do you think that is a realistic plan? 

We are not sure where we are targeting for a home there—we come to Tuscany every summer and stay in a tiny village called San Sano some 20km north of Siena, so we love the area (and Siena—I would move there for the pistachio ice cream alone…) but we may need to be in closer reach of the airport in Rome for hubby’s work travel so may need to get further south. 

I’m sure you are busy with your little ones and all but any thoughts you may have would be most welcome!

Love,

Ellen

Well, where to start with the move to Italy.  The last 2 1/2 years have been so intense 90% fantastic 10% stressful, I will answer Ellen’s queries in detail in the next few days as there is sooooo much to say.  But I must tell you that we are about 20km north of Siena, so the best thing is to meet up in the summer!!!!  for views you will know and love take a look at my blog.

Will be in touch v. soon, Sharon x