golubici
7/26/2016 11:56 EST
Hi there: we are newly(sh) arrived, speak Italian (mercifully), and looking for European or North American expats to share occasionally experiences/tips/empathy/joys of living in southeastern Sicily. Anyone out there?
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Jergirl
7/27/2016 05:40 EST
Hi, I have an apartment in Siracusa and am there around 4 times each year. I had a lot of help from Linda on this list. I'll be glad to share my experiences with you. Are you already in Siracusa? I will be there around Sept. 9.
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golubici
7/27/2016 06:08 EST
Linda has been terrific, as has her husband, Bruno, and we see them often. For sure get in touch when you are back. Meantime perhaps we can find out who each other is? We are friends of Linda's on facebook, are you?
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Jergirl
7/27/2016 09:43 EST
Yes, sent you a private message.
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AirborneSpoon
9/14/2016 21:35 EST
Who watches your place when you are not there? The prices in Sicily and southern Italy are generally much cheaper but I am very concerned about security.
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Jergirl
9/16/2016 02:10 EST
I bought my apartment a year ago in Siracusa and was worried about who to give a key to. At first it was with my lawyer there, but he charged so much for every little thing (like getting the electricity power increased). Now I know a few people I would trust with a key, and so now two people have the key.
That being said, my apartment is in a building that has a locked front door and a locked gate to the courtyard where my apartment is. Neighbors leave their bikes, etc. there and they seem to trust one another. So on that part I was lucky.
in general I don't get that "unsafe' feeling in Siracusa, the way I did when I was in Napoli, for example. So I don't think going further south makes it more dangerous, it probably depends on more local factors.
So even though someone has a key and I can easily ask him to check the apartment, I don't really feel the need. (I am here around 4 times each year for 1-2 weeks.)
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dg6162
9/16/2016 10:50 EST
My impression of Siracusa is that it is likely safer than urban centres of most North American cities particularly US. If you were to rank it against Miami, I'd say it was .40 or less than half as scary; Philadelphia .50; Manhattan .80... etc. Bottom line is the perception of insecurity is just that, a perception; you ned to be prudent wherever you are. Get theft and fire insurance same as in US; why wouldn't you? Do the same safety checks you would anywhere else you live. I wouldn't say the same for Catania or Palermo, they have a poorer reputation, but Siracusa is "tranquillo"
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Sergios
9/16/2016 12:27 EST
I'm based in Palermo and I am on a five month drive thru Western Europe. The only place I have had any problems was in Barcelona. Where I was robbed while in my car. If your are stupid, thieves will take advantage no matter where you are. I have had no problems in Sicily. None. I am more concerned in any American city.
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dg6162
9/16/2016 13:20 EST
Hi Sergios, and thank you for your many informative posts that put Sicily in the right perspective. I cannot say anything negative about Palermo, or Barcelona, nothing ever happened to me in either place, I was robbed in Lisbon, but I wouldn't recommend avoiding Portugal based on my experience... I only suggest people exercise due caution when travelling, it's a no-brainer, your chances of being stalked and robbed in any US city if you wander around obviously not speaking English holding a tourist map looking goofy-eyed with your fanny pack open to show wallet... are going to increase due to your own incaution... not to say blame the victim, but inform yourself about your environs, I wouldn't be planning anything into Aleppo right now.
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lindanoto
9/17/2016 11:02 EST
This area ( south east Sicily) is as safe as or safer than just about any place in USA or Great Britain. Unless you are interested in organizing a prostitution ring or highway construction company no one will bother you.
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lindanoto
9/17/2016 11:02 EST
This area ( south east Sicily) is as safe as or safer than just about any place in USA or Great Britain. Unless you are interested in organizing a prostitution ring or highway construction company no one will bother you.
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lindanoto
9/17/2016 11:02 EST
This area ( south east Sicily) is as safe as or safer than just about any place in USA or Great Britain. Unless you are interested in organizing a prostitution ring or highway construction company no one will bother you.
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lindanoto
9/17/2016 11:02 EST
This area ( south east Sicily) is as safe as or safer than just about any place in USA or Great Britain. Unless you are interested in organizing a prostitution ring or highway construction company no one will bother you.
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lindanoto
9/18/2016 08:13 EST
Ooops! I don't know how to cancel !
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sonnyp
10/4/2016 12:40 EST
are studio or 1 bedroom apts. available from December through the end of February in the city of siracusa ? I need only the minimum accomodations....but furnished with utilities. I am single, 66 years old and a citizen.
if possible, what might the price range be and what weather is common ?
thank you in advance
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lindanoto
10/5/2016 06:43 EST
We have a small apartment that we offer on extended rents for a reduced rate during the winter months only. Some of it's advantages are that it has unlimited high speed wifi , reliable heating, fully furnished( including bici) on public transport line, walk to all services and located directly on the sea in Ortigia. You can pm me if interested. Here is the link . https://airbnb.com/rooms/1477654?s=41&user_id=7201163&ref_device_id=af02d0e7754384b50b270dac2372de077093112d
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