Rinnovo Patente

I obtained my Italian drivers license in June 2013 and since I was already over the 50 year age mark it was only valid for 5 years. I have recently completed the renewal process and here in Basilicata it isn't complicated, just requires a bit of running around (and various fees).

First you need to have your assigned doctor complete a form that you are fit to drive - 20 €.

Obtain properly sized photos - 5 €.

Pay three different taxes and fees at the post office - 43.20 €.

Finally go to the ASL office in Potenza and have your vision checked and the request completed.

Once I did the last step, my new license arrived in the mail three days later: pay the special delivery - 6 €.

The ufficio motorizzazione civile that I dealt with to get my original patente was not involved in the renewal process.

I'm good for another 5 years!

Time change...

We changed our clocks this week and have had some spectacular sunrises recently. One of the advantages of mountain living.

Basilicata Antipasto

Now this is what you call an antipasto from Basilicata:  Aglianico wine and tasty peperoni cruschi!

Towns of Basilicata: Guardia Perticara

Once you arrive by the winding mountain roads you will quickly be charmed by the stone walls of Guardia Perticara. Montano, Leudisio, Vomero, Grezzi, Carcia, Santa Lucia, Lavella are some of the family names originating from Guardia Perticara.

Towns of Basilicata: Aliano

You will find a charming town settled amongst an interesting landscape in Aliano, the final resting place of Carlo Levi. You will find these family names originating from Aliano: Scelzi, Pepe, Serra, Marino, Pisani, Grimaldi, Mattetelli.

Towns of Basilicata: Vietri di Potenza

Along the route between Salerno and Potenza you will easily see Vietri di Potenza occupying a will among the mountains of Basilicata. Vince Lombardi's family originated from this town and you will find these other family names here: Pitta, Pascaretta, Macellaro, Fabio, Gorga, Zirpoli, Faruolo