Tuscanyvillas Blog

Red wine may be much more potent than was thought in extending human lifespan, researchers say in a new report that is likely to give impetus to the rapidly growing search for longevity drugs.

The study is based on dosing mice with resveratrol, an ingredient of some red wines. Some scientists are already taking resveratrol in capsule form, but others believe it is far too early to take the drug, especially using wine as its source, until there is better data on its safety and effectiveness.

The report is part of a new wave of interest in drugs that may enhance longevity. On Monday, Sirtris, a startup founded in 2004 to develop drugs with the same effects as resveratrol, completed its sale to GlaxoSmithKline for $720 million.

Sirtris is seeking to develop drugs that activate protein agents known in people as sirtuins.

“The upside is so huge that if we are right, the company that dominates the sirtuin space could dominate the pharmaceutical industry and change medicine,” Dr. David Sinclair of the Harvard Medical School, a co-founder of the company, said Tuesday.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/04/healthscience/04aging.php

The lovely small town of Stia is just a short ride through the national forest from the villas and is a wonderful day trip. There you will find castles dating from the Medieval Age: Castle of Chiusi della Verne, Poppi, Romena, Castel San Niccolo and Montemignaio among others and museum. Summer brings cultural events, exhibits and firework displays.

Stia is also home to high quality woolen mills offering fabrics, cashmere clothing and mohair plaid blankets. TACS is open daily and sells to the public.

Every other year (next in 2009) Stia hosts the European Wrought Iron Exhibit for several days in late summer.

May 31-Sept 7. 2008
Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard are on view at the Western Reserve Historical Society museum in Cleveland. The exhibit features approximately 200 works of art and historically significant objects, many of which have never left the Vatican.  Michelangelo items and works by Bernini, Giotto, and others.  Artwork dates back to the third century.  From the venerated relics (bone fragments) of Saint Peter to items from the election of Pope Benedict XVI, this exhibit comprises one of the largest Vatican collections ever to tour North America.  Many items have never before been on public view.  From culture to history to art, explore how the Papacy has impacted-and been impacted-by the world throughout the centuries.

Cleveland is one of only three US cities to host this exhibition. The Western Reserve Society museum hours are Mon-Wed 10 AM to 9 PM (last entry 7 PM) and Thu-Sun 10 AM – 6 PM (last entry 5 PM).

Living in Tuscany can easily arrange car. cell phone and navigational system rentals for our guests.  By working with an International Broker we are assured of the best price from the major rental companies in Italy.  Our knowledge of the offices and hours, makes and models, can find the most convenient and inexpensive auto rentals for you.

An International Driver’s Permit is mandatory for non-European drivers in Italy. Please visit your local AAA office (CAA in Canada) to acquire your International Driver’s Permit (IDP).  Location of the office closest to you can be found in the front pages of the business section of the local phone book - or through "Information".

Only AAA and AATA are authorized in the US to distribute International Driver’s Permits.  Any website offering International Drivers Permits or International Driver’s Licenses is fraudulent.    

To find truly unique gifts from Florence and between visits to the museums, churches and restaurants put some adventure in your shopping. While jewelry shops line the Ponte Vecchio and Via Torabuoni hosts the big names in Italian fashion, the side streets offer small unique shops selling chocolates, olive oil, handmade paper products and more. Leather shops abound in the outdoor markets but quality can be uneven. Scuola del Cuoio and Madova gloves sell impeccably made leather goods.

Italian business hours are approximately from 9.00am to 1.00pm and from 4.00pm to 7.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Banking hours in Italy are approximately 8.30am to 1.30pm and 3.00pm to 4.00pm Monday to Friday. The afternoon opening hours may vary from city to city. Banks are closed on Saturday, Sunday and on national holidays.

Shops in Italy are usually open from 9.00am to 12.30am and 4:30 pm to 7:30pm, Monday to Saturday. Shops in large cities will usually remain open during lunchtime and may close earlier.

Supermarkets are open Monday to Saturday and in summer months some of the newer and large supermarkets may be open Sunday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Travel to Rome from the Villas is made convenient by the commuter service to Florence and the Eurostar to Rome in 2 ½ hours.

An Important Change Visitors Should Know About:

The Roman Forum now charges an admission fee and has closed several of its most popular entrances. These changes will doubtlessly mean long entrance lines and much confusion.

Living in Tuscany is happy to provide guests with Websites and information for making both museum and train reservation. Please email tuscvillas@aol.com or call 800-450-1555.

Florence Airport Amerigo Vespucci Airport Guidehttp://aeroporto.firenze.it/EN/

http://aeroporto.firenze.it/EN/
The new airport

To confirm the constant increase of the airport traffic of the last years nearby the airport of Florence Perentola, AdF Spa has begun during the first months of the 2006 the airport modernization.With an investiment of about 11 milions of euro for the works on the runway and of about 4,5 milions of euro for the renovations of the air terminals AdF has so taken to the maxim operating efficiency the principals infrastuctures of the Florence airport and has increased the total capacity of the airport from 1.500.000 to 2.200.000 passengers/year. To plan the new internal structure of the airstations, AdF has used particular attention to the improvement of the flow passengers in departure setting in a more rational way different operative and commercial services that the passengers find now along a more fluent way. The security passages have been increased from 3 to 5, the boarding gates from 6 to 10. The conveyer claims have been increased from 2 to 3. The check-in desk have become 23.

General Information

Airport facilities

Useful Information

Our guests celebrate marriages, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and other occasions at their own private Tuscan villa. Arrangements can be made for a catered Tuscan feast (your pick of the best of the area and season) cooked and served by an experienced local cook. All foods are fresh and the dishes served are memorable and add to the fun of your stay!

All serving dishes, glassware, etc are supplied by the cook and included in the price. Menus are chosen in advance and include apperitivo with snacks, antipasto Toscana, served as a first course before the pasta/rice course and include sliced Tuscan salami, Crostini, coffee and after dinner drinks. Fresh Tuscan wines can be supplied.

Arrangements must be made in advance and minimum number of people for service is eight.

Below are the average Temperatures for Florence.  The villas of Living in Tuscany at a elevation of 1200 feet and backed by a national forest, are usually 5  to 10 degrees cooler.

January 50 degrees high 34 degrees low

March 59 degrees high 40 degrees low

April 65 degrees high 45 degrees low

May 74 degrees high 52 degrees low

June 81 degrees high 58 degrees low

July 88 degrees high 63 degrees low

August 87 degrees high 62 degrees low

September 79 degrees high 57 degrees low

October 70 degrees high 50 degrees low

November 58 degrees high 41 degrees low

December 50 degrees high 36 degrees low