Some helpful hints for an enjoyable stay
Electrical appliances
In Italy, the power consumption is limited by the state-electricity
suppliers to control the consumption itself. Nevertheless the house
has a maximum power rating of 3300 watts. This means, that more
electrical appliances may never be switched on simultaneously,
otherwise the power supply is interrupted by the circuit breaker.
In this case, ask Signora Giuseppina to put on again the locked
automatic circuit breaker on the outside of the house. To avoid
the probability of undesired power switch-off and also for an
energy saving dealing with electrical appliances, we advise such
as to turn on the water-boiler in the kitchen only 15-20 min.
before rinsing. After end of hot water needs please switch off
the boiler. Also do not forget at night to turn off the outside
lights.
Pulizia pavimenti
In Italy, the power consumption is limited by the state-electricity
suppliers to control the consumption itself. Nevertheless the house
has a maximum power rating of 3300 watts. This means, that more
electrical appliances may never be switched on simultaneously, otherwise
the power supply is interrupted by the circuit breaker. In this case,
ask Signora Giuseppina to put on again the locked automatic circuit
breaker on the outside of the house. To avoid the probability of
undesired power switch-off and also for an energy saving dealing with
electrical appliances, we advise such as to turn on the water-boiler
in the kitchen only 15-20 min. before rinsing. After end of hot water
needs please switch off the boiler. Also do not forget at night to
turn off the outside lights.
Floor cleaning
The floor is made of real Tuscan "cotto" tiles. Please clean it,
when necessary, only with water without any addition of detergent.
Parking
Use the place behind the house (sign Strada Privata). Please avoid
parking in the small village square.
Lines
To hang the laundry is a small specially provided leash in front of
the kitchen right side. In the broom closet are clothespin available.
There you’ll find iron and ironing board.
Three sun loungers and an umbrella as well as an outdoor table are
available for house guests.
Kitchen
The kitchen is fully equipped for 4 people including a coffee filter
to filter coffee, mocca and italian espresso maker.
Books
In Casa Alessandra you will find some cookbooks in the kitchen and
some travel books and magazines on Tuscany and Umbria in the niche
of the spiral staircase. They are at your disposal during your stay.
Grocery shoppings
The baker brings fresh bread right after Arsicci during the week.
He stops next to Casa Alessandra and honk loudly.
Even a small truck with fruits and vegetables keeps the village
Friday morning. Eventually ask Signora Giuseppina. Supermarkets
and grocery stores are located in Badia Tedalda, Pieve Santo
Stefano and naturally Sansepolcro.
Shopping
I mention here only a few shops that I visit often personally.
In Anghiari, Via Mazzini, there is the traditional shop of
BUSATTI,
that sells beautiful hand-woven fabrics out of their
own manufacture.
Before going up to Anghiari on the big straight road on the
right side, you will see the great shoe factory outlet
SOLDINI: big choice of shoes and sportswear and leather
goods in a relaxing self-service ambience.
If you want to look for handcrafted baskets, chairs, etc. and
even shopping them, before you go into Anghiari, at the height
of the big left turn, keep right there and turn right going in
direction "Localitá VIAIO". After about 1 km through fields you
reach a lone house that was a former school. Sometimes stand
outside a few baskets on display. Go in quietly, in a large room,
you will see people working on the baskets. You can view and buy
directly. There are also wicker furniture hand made from "willow"
to measure and according old tradition.
In Badia Tedalda you will find the factory outlet of fine leather bags
and clothes of MONTINI.
In Aboca (locality along the Marecchia State Road from Sansepolcro
to Rimini) important cultivation and processing of medicinal plants
ABOCA, this is
probably the most important herbalist centre of Italy. In Sansepolcro
the company Aboca has opened an interesting museum of Herbal Medicine
with annexed a beautiful herbalist shop.
Marketplaces
Monday mornings: market in PIEVE SANTO STEFANO.
Tuesday and Saturday mornings: market in SANSEPOLCRO.
Wednesday morning: market in ANGHIARI.
Saturday mornings: market in CORTONA and AREZZO.
Local cuisine
In the whole country there are good restaurants and trattorias,
here are a few recommendations:
"Il Sottobosco" - Svolta del Podere, Tel. +39 0575 714240.
"Ricordati di me" - Loc. Caprile, Tel. +39 0575 713179.
"Imperatore" - Passo di Viamaggio, Tel. +39 0575 799000.
Sport and Walking
The entire environment of Arsicci and the natural park of Alpe della Luna
is ideal for trekking, mountain biking or horseback riding.
The numerous hiking trails are all well marked and clearly indicated in the maps.
Mushrooms, truffles and wild fruits collect
In the surrounding forests and the natural park Alpe della Luna: wide variety
of mushrooms, truffles and wild berries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries.