YOUR LETTERS

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forwarded on. Here are a few more of the letters that Maria’s query inspired.

THE REAL ITALY If Maria Jackson is interested in looking a bit further south in the areas of Cupramontana, Cingoli and Jesi, I could put her in touch with an excellent estate agent, who has helped us find a house in that area and on which our renovation work is due to commence in January. The support he has provided us with has been invaluable from finding the house and sorting out all the paperwork, including our electric and water bills, to liaising with the Geomatra on the renovation work needed. This part of Italy is just wonderful, very picturesque, with everything close by (it’s 30 minutes from Ancona) and the people are so friendly. Our neighbours in Italy do not speak any English, but we are managing to communicate with them and they telephone us here in England on a regular basis just to say hello. We strongly believe that if you eventually

want to live in Italy – as we do – that you need to learn the language, to join in and understand their culture. Personally I want to live in the real Italy and not an ex-pat community. We are going back for Christmas and can’t wait! I’m happy to provide further details to Maria, if you would like to give her my contact details. Linda Bazely, Northamptonshire

Linda, I’ve passed your details on to Maria. It’s great to hear that people are making the effort to get involved in the Italian culture when they move there.

LIKE WALES? In answer to two of your letters. Firstly Debbie Chetwood’s letter in the January issue. Le Marche is like Wales? Excuse me? We have lived in Le Marche for over a year and it is absolutely nothing like Wales! I won’t go into detail, but we have found our paradise, not to mention the breathtaking scenery, warmth of the people and lack of traffic, English

and people. We also have ‘seasons’ and are between the mountains and the beach, with access to lakes if wished! Nothing against Wales, of course. In answer to Maria Jackson who wishes to find a property in northern Le Marche. I had to change my criteria for a house suddenly, due to my partner being diagnosed with cancer and given a year to live. Our estate agents, Alison and Giovanni, have been professional, helpful, sensible, honest and reliable. Alison is English and Giovanni is Italian, so we have the best of both worlds. I am in a difficult situation, even though Peter has outlived the doctor’s prognosis – thankfully. Life is tough and Alison and Giovanni have overseen absolutely everything, without exception, in an efficient and friendly manner. They even held up our signing for the house, as I was nervous and needed a cappuccino! I cannot speak too highly of them. If they cannot help in the area Maria wants to move to, they will do everything in their