Author: Don McPherson

Publisher: Ah! Tuscany

Published: 2006-11-03

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 159800767X

AUTHORs REVIEW and COMMENTS on Ah! Tuscany : the Enlightenment of an ExpatraiteFive years ago my wife - Silvia - and I purchased a condominium in San Gimignano. This book is my story of what followed. Unlike most books, there is no obvious story line throughout - and this presented me with the challenge of leaving the reader with what at the end coalesces into a complete story. There are however, two shorter story lines. The first is: locating, purchasing, improving, and furnishing an apartment near San Gimignano and the second - woven throughtout the book - concerns obtaining our permission to live in Italy, official residency, car ownership and registration, Carta di Soggiorno, citizenship, and documents for a stolen car.Otherwise the book is a mosaic of personal experiences and observations that encompass our living experience and in the end it becomes clear that the real story is about getting to know the customs and people sufficiently that we felt truly at home in San Gimignano. For example, I describe shops, restaurants, a visit to the mayors office, the grape harvest and wine making, olive harvest and mushroom hunt and interactions with workmen (our artisans). I take the reader traveling to Volterra, Florence, Siena, Certaldo and Poggibonsi and Tuscan villages. We go cycling, take country walks and become acquainted with ancient books, the art scene, sunsets and winter in San Gimignano. I describe money laundering, medical sevices, doctor visits, pharmacies and the payment or avoidance of taxes. We learn several difficult lessons concerning government-controlled services: utilities, banks, telephone, post, computer connection, water and traffic violations. We learn the importance of notaries and town registrar (anagrafe), I make observations on politics, TV, strikes and the press, on All Saints Day, barbers, how a condominium functions, and festivals. During the entire process, we develop valued friendships and transition from outsiders to residents who truly belong to San Gimignano.There is a separate chapter on the special issue of Tuscan Way of Life, [the strange dichotomy of aggressive governance vs beautiful life style and wonderfully warm, friendly people] and another on the history of San Gimignano.My Target Audience comprises two groups: those who enjoy reading about life in Italy particularly Tuscany - and those adventurers who are either considering living in Italy or actually doing so. Both groups, and indeed all readers who enjoy travel will be entertained by many humorous and sometimes hilarious events surrounding the mysterious bureaucratic machinations of government, while those thinking of living there may better prepare themselves for the adventure. But all readers are sure to enjoy the pleasures of Tuscan friendliness, culture and customs.The living of this story has been an experience of a lifetime. From friends and unknown readers alike, I receive reports of pleasure, enjoyment and amazement. I therefore recommend the book to you and wish that many more will decide to share in my story.Don McPhersonclick to get published: http://outskirtspress.com/cgi/agent.cgi?key=22944