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NRDC-ITA Useful Facts for NISIC Members

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NRDC-ITA Useful Facts for NISIC Members Headquarters NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy

Ugo Mara Barracks, Via per Busto Arsizio, 20, 21058 Solbiate Olona, VA For all NRDC-ITA Information ask for Newcomers’ Guide available to military personnel. For any questions please contact the FAMILY SUPPORT CENTRE (F.S.C.). You can send an email to segreteriafsc@mwanrdcita.it who is fluent in English and French, and she will help you during office hours. Why Ugo Mara Barracks? Second Lieutenant Ugo Mara born in Busto Arsizio on 7th August 1895, died 31st January 1918 at the Battle for Col de l’Echelle. He was awarded the Silver Medal of Military Valour.

Identity Cards Required: Keep a record of them Passport (with at least six months)

Required for booking into hotels.

NRDC-ITA Pass All Spouses and children over 15 yrs old require one to enter the Caserma. Photographic ID.

NRDC-ITA: Parking Pass Check with Car Pass Office. EH111 EU Health Card Codice Fiscale Essential card for use as identity within Italy. Good idea to

carry with you all the time. Every member of the family must have one. It is important for enrolling with the Doctor and School, for instance, and buying tax free goods. For further information ask at FSC.

Driving Licence

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CHURCH Catholic Services: Beata Vergine Maria Immacolata, Ugo Mara Barracks Don Cesare Tel: 0331 346 038 or 0331 346 789 Holy Mass from Monday – Friday: 07.15-07.45 (Not on Saturday) Sunday at 11.00. ● Confession by appointment ● Confirmation and Wedding course ● Baptism and Wedding celebrations Anglican Services:

1. All Saints’ Anglican Church, Via Solferino 17, 20121 Milano Vicar: Vikki Simms Tel: 02 655 2258

2. Church of St Edward the Confessor, Via Clemente Maraini 6, 6900 Lugano, Svizzera Chaplain: Fr Nigel (Traditional Service, very friendly, Service in English on Sunday at 10.30am)

3. International Bible Fellowship, Non-denominational Church, Corso Matteotti 55, 21018 Sesto Caldende, VA https://www.ibf.cbinsieme.org o Italian speaking fellowship meets Saturday @ 17.00 with children’s work

and meal afterwards. o English speaking fellowship meets Sunday @ 11.15 with children’s work. o Ladies Bible Study o Youth Group o Mid-week groups

Greek Orthodox Church, Varese

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CLUBS NRDC-ITA SPOUSES INTERNATIONAL CLUB (NISIC): https://nisicitalia.wordpress.com/ First Tuesday of most months (except July and August) there is a coffee morning which is held in the Barracks. There is also a ‘drop in’ coffee morning which is usually held in Varese and/or Gallarate. Family members are welcome to all events. If you would like to help run an activity you will be greeted with enthusiasm! We try to have a representative from each Nation on the Board, although it is not necessary to attend the meetings! Volunteers are always welcome! ● Art Tours led by an Art Historian, usually to Museums in Milan ● BLSD Courses – run by the NRDC-ITA infirmary. ● Book Club once a month – language is no barrier! ● Chatty Ladies – volunteers from Italy, UK/USA, Spain and Germany who get together

to practice conversation in their mother tongue. ● Coffee Morning in the Caserma, usually on the first Tuesday of each month at

10.30am and an informal coffee morning in Varese, Gallarate or Busto. ● Community Events include Welcome Brunch in October; Halloween/Light Party in

November; Christmas Charity Lunch December; Easter Carnival and Summer Lunch. (There is also an annual Gala Ball and International Day).

● Cook with Me in the Barracks or ‘at home’ – learning and cooking different recipes from NRDC-ITA Nations and sharing lunch together

● Creative Club every Wednesday – In the Caserma. A small group of enthusiasts meet to make something different each week.

● Cultural Tours - visiting local sites in our area for spouses and children ● Language Courses run in the Caserma - English and Italian, good for language skills

but also good for meeting new people and learning about each others cultures. ● Self-defence Courses run in the Caserma ● Walks led by locals Benvenuto International Club of Varese: http://www.benvenutovarese.org One coffee morning a month and lots of activities arranged. They aim to welcome women of all nationalities and help them make friends. The Club was started 33 years ago and is run on a voluntary basis. The Benvenuto Club of Milan: https://www.benvenutomilano.net FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano): https://www.fondoambiente.it/contatti/ By becoming a member of FAI, you will get discounted entry to their properties and gardens. Reciprocal agreements with similar organisations in other countries eg National Trust UK CAI: Italian Climbing and Walking Club.

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS PLEASE KEEP THIS WHERE YOU CAN FIND IT! Family Support Centre (FSC)

NRDC-ITA Switchboard

NRDC-ITA DUTY CLERK 24 HOURS

EMERGENCY

Ambulance

112 numero unico per le emergenze

Fire (Vigili del Fuoco)

Carabinieri

Police

Hospital - 24hrs Emergency “pronto soccorso” Paediatric Hospital

0332 278 111 0332 299 111

Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Viale Luigi Borri, 57, 21100 VARESE Filippo Del Ponte Hospital, Via del Ponte, 19, 21100, VARESE

Hospital 0331 699 111 Via Arnaldo da Brescia, 1 21052 Busto Arsizio, VA

IN AN EMERGENCY: Ho bisogno di aiuto. (I need help) Non parlo Italiano. (I don’t speak Italian) Sono militare, NATO, Solbiate Olona. (I am military. NATO Solbiate Olona) Mi chiamo (My name is) Sono qui (I am here, give details) Incidente. Ho bisogno di un’ambulanza / dei vigili del fuoco (There has been an accident. I need an ambulance or fire brigade.)

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PERSONAL INFORMATION Fill in personal information for all your family. Name Address DOB Codice Fiscale

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EXPLORE Italy by SEASON There are lots of Festivals throughout the year. The main holiday is in August when many places close for two weeks. 15th August is called Ferragosto. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/italy/ The first Sunday of the month, entrance is free to many art sites. “Domeniche al Museo”. Visit Italy using our special Guide. We have created a suggestion book about the 22 different Italian regions with personal recommendations from NISIC Members. Look at the NISIC website https://nisicitalia.wordpress.com/ and plan where to go in Italy! Useful Books: 1. Always Sunday The best places around Varese, Lago Maggiore, Como and Milan by

Liesbeth Paardekooper. Highly recommended. 50 well researched places to visit. 2. Cicerone Guide: Walking The Italian Lakes (Lakes Garda, Maggiore, Como and d’Iseo

in northern Italy). Simple, clear, accurate, easy to follow – no need to buy a map. 3. Dorling Kindersley - Back Roads Northern and Central Italy includes the Lakes, Venice

and the Veneto, Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche. 25 leisurely drives. A great introduction to different areas with lots of interesting things to see and do..

4. Lombardy 127 Destinations for Discovering Art, History and Beauty by Philippe Daverio Full of good ideas, not much detail!

SPRING 1. Lago Maggiore. (Rocca Borromea – Angera; Eremo Santa Caterina, Arona, Stresa,

Isole Borromee - Maccagno – Luino - Ispra…) 2. City tours. (Venezia, Genova, Firenze, Roma, Verona, Padova, Torino…) 3. Torino: Egyptian Museum, Museo nazionale del Risorgimento, Palazzo Reale, 4. Laghi Como, Garda, Iseo and Orta 5. Walking in Cinque Terre http://www.cinqueterre.it/ 6. Napoli – Pompei – Amalfi Coast. 7. Ski Resorts: Pila, San Domenico, towards Sestriere, Passo del Tonale a Sud Tirol 8. Battle of the Orange, Ivrea http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas/culture-and-

entertainment/italian-carnivals/the-carnival-of-ivrea.html 9. Carnevale: Venice, Varese, Viareggio, Cento (FE). 10. Ravenna – Chioggia - Comacchio, and the Po river Estuary. (Emilia Romagna) 11. Norcia, Spoleto, Casteluccio, Montefalco, Assisi (Umbria) 12. Milan: Ambrosiana Gallery, Duomo di Milano, Leonardo da Vinci Museum, La Scala

Theatre, Bus tour of the City, Castello Sforzesco, Navigli, Il Cenacolo di Leonardo Da Vinci (The Last Supper), Santa Maria delle Grazie

13. Sicily 14. Palio’s: Horse racing and medieval traditions recalling historical events through

competition throughout Italy. Most famous is Siena (2nd July Palio of Provenza and 16th July Palio of Assumption). More locally Palio di Legnano (last weekend of May); Palio di Ferrara (last Sunday in May) and Palio di Castiglione Olona, Varese (first weekend July). Check online for correct dates.

15. Rice is grown all around Novara, Vercelli and also Mantua. Visit locally Riso Rizzotti at Vespolate. Contact Maria Pia info@risorizzotti.com +39 338 798 2123. On 31st August they hold a dinner and 1st September a lunch to try all the different rice they produce. Reservation essential. All information and programmes on their website.

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SUMMER 1. Stintino (Sardinia) 2. Lago di Monate (Larice Club, Cadrezzate) 3. Sirmione – Salò – Torri del Benaco - Riva del Garda, Lago di Garda 4. Bellagio, Lago di Como - Lido di Menaggio (Como) 5. Ligurian Coast 6. Cerro Beach, Lago Maggiore 7. Lago d’Orta 8. Elba and Tuscany coast – From Marche to Puglia coast sea 9. Navene, Lago Garda 10. Verzasca Valley, Switzerland: Park the car just north of Verzasca, and take the bus

up to Sonogno (need Swiss Francs for car park or Credit Card and for the bus), and then walk all the way back following the river down. Fantastic for children and dogs: take a picnic. At the weekends it has become very popular because of the Ponte Romano (Ponte dei salti). https://www.ticino.ch/en/itineraries/details/The-Verzasca-Valley-trail/138529.html

11. Seaside: Lerici, Portovenere, Cinque Terra & Calabria region 12. Gorgonzola Cheese: Learn more about it with Eredi Angelo Baruffaldi SrL, Via

Roma 32, 28060 Castellazzo Novarese, NOVARA. Tel: 0321 83717 and also Caseifico Palzola, Via Euopa 21, 2801 Cavallirio, NOVARA Tel: 0163 80940

AUTUMN 1. City tour art (Venezia, Genova, Torino, Firenze, Roma, Napoli, Verona, Padova ecc…) 2. Mustonate, Varese 3. Lucca, Tuscany 4. Genoa, Aquarium 5. Visit all the Sacro Monte in Lombardy and Piedmont 6. Sicily 7. Wine: Rovelloti Viticoltori in Ghemme, Via Interno Castello, 22, 28074 Ghemme,

NOVARA. Tel: 0163 841 781 WINTER 1. Skiing: Paganella, Dolomites; Valtournenche & Cervinia(Val d’Aosta); Pila (Val

d’Aosta); Maso Coro, Madonna di Campiglio; La Thuile; Bardonecchia; Alagna; Courmayeur, Moena, Trentino;

2. Skiing- San Domenico - good for families and beginners 3. Christmas Markets everywhere 4. Visit ‘presepe’ Nativity Scenes 5. Como Christmas lights (take the train as parking can be difficult)

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LANGUAGE LESSONS NISIC subsidised Italian and English lessons held in the Caserma €50 for 30 hours 2hrs a week (book included in the price). Please contact: nisicita2019@gmail.com to ask for more information. 2 levels for Italian: Beginner & Intermediate. 3 levels for English: Beginner, pre-intermediate, intermediate. Other alternatives for Italian and English Lessons Your local Comune (Municipality) will run lessons which cost €20 a year. Lessons are twice a week for 2hrs (morning or evening until 10PM) CPIA 2 VA Tullio de Mauro Centro, Via Brunico, 29, 21100 VARESE cpiavarese.edu.it To sign on you should go to the Information Desk with your Passport, Codice Fiscale and €20. Register. You will be asked to return for a short 10 minutes interview to assess your level. You will then be placed in a group of similar standard. Most people take exams and you must pay for these yourself. Private Lessons can be had with Language Schools: Varese: Ateneo Corsi di Lingue, Via Carlo Giuseppe Veratti, 11, 21100 VA Busto: Gallarate: Private Lessons - Italian Juliette Private Lessons – English

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DOCTORS, DENTISTS & VETS

Doctors, Dentists & Vets– Varese area

Address Name Phone Via Giulio Giordani, 7, VARESE

Dr Irene Schutz (GP) Irene.schutz@virgilio.it

0332 223 355 335 593 6475

CDV Clinic, Via San Michele Arcangelo 6, 21100, VARESE

Private Clinic 0332 289615

Vicolo San Michele, 6, VARESE

Dr Claudio Albizatti ENT Specialist albizzatic@gmail.com

0332 288638 348 262 5542

CAIDATE di SUMIRAGO Via Leonardo da Vinci, 2

Dr Valeria Valdambrini Paediatrician valeria.valdambrini@crs.lombardia.it

0331 906 971 0331 906 966 (during visiting hours

Via Sanvito 103, VARESE

Dr Suleiman Eihaj Pediatra 0332 821 444

Via Cantoreggio, 5, VARESE

Dr Terni, Paediatric 0332229860

Via Como, 18, VARESE Dr Tritz (Dentist) studiotritz@belsorriso.com

0332 286 616

Via San Martino della Battaglia, 11, VA

Dr Dejace (Dentist)

0332 241 324

English Speaking Midwife

Cristina Clerici 00 39 349 520 3951

Luvinate, VA (Vet) 0332 220 092

335 453 200 Clinica Veterinaria Castronno, Via Piave 1/c, 21040, VA

Marta Rostagno (Vet) Marta.rostagno@libero.it very friendly - above Da Moreno.

348 702 6161 0332 893 126

Doctors, Dentist & Vet – Busto Arsizio area Piazza Volontari Liberta', 7 Busto Arsizio

Dr. Giuseppe Bonzi (dentist also for children)

0331 679897

LILT Via Venegoni, 15, BUSTO ARSIZIO

Angelo Girola: centro prevenzione Oncologica Visite Senologiche con Ecografia Dermatologiche con Videotermatoscopio

Tel. 0331-639651

BUSTO ARSIZIO Via Castelfidardo, 19 - 21050 Busto Arsizio (VA)

https://sancarloistitutoclinico.it/ (we have 20% discount with ID card NRDC-ITA)

T. +39 0331 685065

Humanitas Clinic, Via Gerenzano, 2, CASTELLANZA or Via

0331 476 111 (Castellanza)

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Alberto da Guissano 9, BUSTO ARSIZIO

0331 476 210 (Busto)

Via IV Novembre 39, SOLBIATE OLONA

Dottoressa Angela Banfi (vet) 0331 376 178

Centro Veterinario della Valle, Via Cadorna, 6, OLGIATE OLONA

https://www.centroveterin ariodellavalle.com (vet)

0331 642 420 vetvalle@virgilio.it

Parafarmacia IPER (close to Caserma)

Parapharmaceuticals, dietetic products, 10% discount with ID.

Contact FSC for further information on who they have agreements with.

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OPERA, THEATRE, CINEMA

OPERA Milan: La Scala http://www.teatroallascala.org/en/index.html Verona: https://www.arena.it/arena/en Pesaro: https://www.rossinioperafestival.it/ Venezia: https://www.teatrolafenice.it/site/index.php Napoli: http://www.teatrosancarlo.it/

THEATRE

CINEMA Cinema’s showing films in original language Cineteatro Santamanzio: Via S Caterina, 32, 21028 Travedona Monate, VARESE http://www.santamanzio.it Multisala Impero : Via Giuseppe Bernascone, 13, Varese Cinema Teatro Nuovo Filmstudio Novanta, Viale dei Mille, 39, Varese BAFF Busto Arsizio Film Festival http://www.baff.it/

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RECOMMENDED PLACES TO EAT APERITIVO: Generally, between 6-9pm, pre meal drink usually served with small snacks. Varese: Balthazar Café; Osteria delle scuderie Mustonate; Pasticceria Pirola; Milano: Terrazza Aperol – Camparino Busto Arsizio: Millenote Club – Dieci – Campi Pasticceria In Italy the Menu is divided into several section. You do not have to choose something from each! Antipasti (small starter); Primi (usually pasta or risotto); Secondi (meat, fish or vegetarian) & Contorni (vegetables, salad) and Dolci (pudding). There is usually a “coperto” added per person (2,50€). You do not have to tip. Justeat.it - Deliveroo you can order online and get it delivered. BUSTO ARSIZIO E GALLARATE (VA) 1. Colombo 1933, Corso XX Settembre, 41c, 21052, Busto (basically between Busto and

Gallarate, very informal place for coffee, cake/brioche or quick lunch pizza, pasta, salad. Delicious bread from their bakery that you can buy to take home as well.)

2. Da Mimmo, Restaurant Pizzeria, Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani, 13, 21052 3. Gattuso E Bianchi, Via E Ferrario, 8, 21013, Gallarate, VA 4. Kisen, Viale Luigi Pirandello, 23, 21052 Busto 5. La Cornacchia e Il Mosto, Via Cadore, 8, 21052, Busto 6. Ristorante Pizzeria Il Ciclope, Corso Italia, 63, 21052, Busto 7. Ristorante La Rava e La Fava, via Milano, Busto

OLGIATE OLONA, VA Ma.Ri.Na, Piazza S Gregorio, 11, 21057 (fish very expensive) Ristorante Rosso, Via S Francesco D’Assisi, 19 21057, BODIO LOMNAGO, VA Le Pine (opens at 17.30), Via IV Novembre, 9 21020 Bodio L, VA Peperosa Pizzeria & Griglieria, Via Piave, 21, 21020 Bodio L, VA VARESE 1. Albergo Ristorante Bologna, Via Broggi 7, Angolo Via Veratti, 21100, VA

Completely authentic, typical, extremely reasonable. Good wine, excellent service. It is closed on Saturdays which often catches people out. Best to book at weekends. Open for lunch. Well worth frequenting. Homemade pasta, basic main courses. Their antipasti are fairly legend, if you like that sort of thing. We often just go for a bowl of pasta. Cesare, the ‘cappo’, doesn’t speak much English but he is very welcoming and remembers faces.

2. Caffè La Cupola, Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, 13, 21100 VA 3. Il Gestore, Viale Padre G B Aguggiari, 48, 21100 VA 4. La Bella Napoli, Piazza Giovine Italia, VA 5. La Piedigrotta Pizza, Via Gian Domenico Romagnosi 9, 21100 VA 6. La Premiata Gnoccheria & Risotteria, Via Cattaneo 1, VA Tel 0332 831717.

Closed Tuesday and Sunday. If you like Gnocchi it's worth going (though you'll get gnocchi on most menus elsewhere). Again, in town, so slightly pricey. I found their risotto too salty. Nice atmosphere with arched brick ceilings and underground. Fun to try http://www.premiatagnoccheriarisotteria.it/

7. Montello Ristorante, Via Montello 8, VA

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Closed Monday. Typical Italian cuisine. The tagliata (sliced steak) dishes, steaks and Orecchio d'elefante (breaded veal) are recommended. Busy, nice decor in an old villa, can be crowded at the weekend but service is generally good. Best to book at weekends. Huge glass doors slide back in the summer and they have tables outside.

8. OK Sushi, Via Francesco Crispi, 13, 21100 VA 9. Pizzeria & Ristorante Bistrot, Piazza S Nicone 5, 2020 Barasso, VA

Closed Thursday (no garden). Excellent chips and sublime tagliatelle with funghi and crema di tartufo. Book at weekends. For families with children, catering for all tastes and appetites, pizza, pasta, fish meat and simple puddings: Run by a husband and wife team. A winter place really.

10. Pizzeria La Fontanina, Via Stocchetti 56, Besozzo VA Closed Tuesday. Garden in summer. Good family fare. Great for children big and

small. Excellent fish. They do bream (orata) and sea bass (branzino) three ways: in salt crust, in a paper bag, grilled. All equally delicious - you get the whole fish. If you have the salt crust one, they will ask if you want them to fillet it for you, or you can DIY. Extensive fish but also meat and pizza menu if you're hungry. Calamari, scallops, pizzas, chips etc. Advisable to book.

11. Spitz, Viale Valganna, 34, 21100 VA – www.spitzvarese.i t 12. Trattoria Caprese, Piazza Giovine Italia, 21100 VA 13. Vecchio Ottocento, Viale Ticino, 37B, 21026 Gavirate, VA (Gluten Free Pizza) AZZATE, VA Agriturismo Fattoria Canale, Via XXV Aprile, 11, 21022, VA Tel: 0332 245 9673 Hosteria da Bruno, Via Piave, 43/a, 21022, CAIDATE, VA 1912 Circolo di Caidate, via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 1, 21040 Sumirago, (Fri/Sat evening only, and every day except Monday for lunch) Family run. Dogs and children welcome. Wood fire in Winter; garden in Summer). Royal Café, Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 4, 21040 Sumirago (open all day, every day, except Monday) Family run. 3 Course lunch €10. LAGO MAGGIORE Ristorante Vineria Sunset, Piazza del Lago, 3, Castelveccana (it's actually in Caldè, a 'frazione' of Castelveccana on Lago Maggiore). More of a bar. Interesting food, limited menu, with a French influence. Tad pricey - you could just have a plate of cheese and wine. The big pull is that in the summer there are little metal tables hooked onto the quayside railing where you face the lake and look out on a lovely view straight down the lake -hopefully into the sunset. Agriturismo La Rocca, Via Rocca Castello 1, Angera COMO Il Birrificio di Como, Via Paoli, 3, COMO Ristorante Funicolare, Lungo Lario Trieste, 62, 22100, CO LAINATE, MI -16º Artigiani del Gelato, Viale Rimembranze, 14, Lainate, MI LEGNANO, MI

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Pizzeria Montegrigna Tric Trac, Via Grigna, 12, 20025, MILAN 1. Ribot Restaurant, Via Marco Cremosano, 41, 20148, MI (named after a famous race

horse). A meat restaurant, so no fish here. Hands down favourite for a special treat (you can expect to pay 40 Euros a head but you do get value for money). Wonderful in the summer with big outside area but also nice inside and there is also a ‘tartan’ room. Excellent food. The ‘tegame’ is one of our favourites - a big pan of baked vegetables with a seared steak sliced and served on top - for 2 or more people only. Their Costello (veal) Milanese is also excellent - all the steaks, pasta etc. Pudding is brought free at the end of the meal and is always the same (I won’t spoil the surprise)

2. Thai Gallery, Piazza Alvar Aalto, Via Amerigo Vespucci, 12, 20124 MI 3. Zio Pesce (Navigli – Maffei) Very hip, lots of fun, creative decor, buzzing and brilliant

food. We love the deep-fried octopus, but all the seafood is excellent.

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SCHOOLS – TRIED AND TESTED Asilo Nido: 1-3yrs; Scuola Materna: 3-6yrs; Scuola Primaria: 6-10yrs; Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado: 11-14yrs Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado (2 types the Liceo which is more academic and an Institute which is essentially vocational school.) Liceo Classico, Liceo Scientifico, Liceo Artistico – Liceo Linguistico Istituto Magistrale, Istituti Tecnici & Istituti Professionali

Nursery in Barracks (Asilo Nido)

[52 Places]

NRDC-ITA, Ugo Mara Barracks, Solbiate Olona

Miss Alessandra Tel: 0331/346823 07.30-18.00 Mon-Fri

Scuola Europea di Varese Via Montello, 118, 21100 VARESE

* School bus

International School of Como (ISCOMO)

Via Adda, 25, 22073 Fino Mornasco, COMO

* School bus

Scuola Montessori Varese Percorsi per

Crescere

Via C Maggiora, 10, 21100 VARESE

British College (Asilo Nido & Scuola Materna)

Via Monte leone, 8, 21013 Gallarate VA and Fagnano Olona

Olona International School (Scuola Materna,

Scuola Primaria e secondaria di primo grado)

Via XXV Luglio, Fagnano Olona (VA) +39 0331 376495

Tel: 39 0331 376495

Scuole Manfredini Via Dalmazia, 55, 21100 VA Tel: 0332 331 861

Scuole Rezzara Via Culin 6, 21052, Busto Arsizio, VA

cda@rezzarascuole.it Tel. 0331 679 385

Collegio Rotondi (From Scuola Materna to Liceo with

American diploma – dual diploma)

Via San Maurizio, 4, 21055 GORLA MINORE, VA

www.collegiorotondi.it

American School of Milan Via Karl Marx, 14, 20090 Noverasco di Opera, MILANO

https://www.asmilan.org

The British School of Milan – Sir James

Henderson

Via C A Pisani Dossi, 16, 20124 MILANO

https://www.britishschoolmilan.com

International School of Milan

Via I Maggio, 20, 20021 Baranzate, MI

Istituto Comprensivo “Dante”

Via G B Rusnati,1, 21013 GALLARATE

www.icdante.gov.it (special English programme)

Liceo Statale Artistico “Paolo Candiani”

Via Luciano Manara, 10, 21052 BUSTO

www.artisticobusto.gov.it

Private School Paritaria – recognised by the State. Each child’s place is subsidised.

National or State School

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SUPERMARKETS AND SHOPPING REMEMBER on Monday many shops are closed all day

and most shops close from 12.30-15.30 every day However Supermarkets are open all day, all week offering a wide selection of food, wine, pharmacy, and much else. Many stores have loyalty cards which give discounts. The forms are at the Customer Service desk. You must have your Codice Fiscale to obtain the card (la tessera fedeltà). App and Web “Dove conviene” for all leaflets and catalogs. i. Esselunga ii. Il Gigante iii. Tigros (NRDC-ITA 5% discount card, ask FSC) iv. Lidl. v. Iper la grande I (NRDC-ITA 10% discount card, ask FSC) vi. Carrefour vii. Coop Other useful shops:

● IKEA ● Leroy Merlin – hardware store, electric, garden furniture ● UniEuro - all things electric ● DFSport – all things sportif ● Maison du Monde, Castellanza ● Bricoman – Caronno Pertusella ● Casa Nuove – for the house ● Da Moreno – basically anything cheap and cheerful ● Agricola, Varese – for home, garden, BBQ,, pets and a variety of other things. ● La Città degli Animali - a wide selection of animal products ● Zoo Varese, Via Giovanni Macchi, 55, 21100 VA – chickens and zebras! ● Dm DM Dorgerie Market, Via A Manzoni 3, 21100 VA – great choice of pharmacy,

health foods, food and drink, well priced kitchen cleaning etc. MARKET DAY: http://vareseguida.com/i-mercati-provincia-varese/ Monday: Varese Tuesday: Albizzate, Wednesday: Fagnano Olona – Luino – Saronno – Sesto Calende Thursday: Busto Arsizio – Besozzo – Tradate - Varese Friday: Gavirate, Cassano Magnago, Saturday: Varese, Busto Arsizio – Gallarate – Lavena Ponte Tresa - Varese ORGANIC SHOPPING 1. Fattoria Bargero http://www.bargero.it/ Via Moneta, 54, 22070 Carbonate, COMO

(excellent, limited opening times, organic box delivery possible, worth a visit) 2. Piacere Terra, SP35, 5 22070 Casnate Con Bernate, COMO (Natural, Vegan) (and

other branches) 3. Natura Si 4. Unpasteurised milk and both still and fizzy water can be bought from ‘Latteria’ eg in

Azzate. Bring your own bottles or buy them from the machine.

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BUTCHER Nuova Macelleria, Via Piave 72, AZZATE Ferrari Laura di Sassi Ruggero & C SNC, Via Guglielmo Marconi, 14, AZZATE Favarin Macelleria, Via Romagna, 1, 21040 CASCINE MAGGIO, Castronno, VA PHARMACY Farmacia Bertoni, Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 4, 21020 BUGUGGIATE (open every day except Sunday. Check opening times on line before visiting). Very helpful and English spoken! BAKERY BOOKSHOPS 1. La Feltrinelli, Giunti, Mondadori – Books, Stationery, maps & guides, CD’s etc 2. American Bookstore: Via M.Camperio, 16, MILANO (English books)

https://www.americanbookstore.it/ 3. Il Libro, Libreria Internazionale, Via F Ozanam 1, MILANO www.il-libro.it 4. Libreria Ulrico Hoepli, Via U Hoepli, 5, MILANO (one of Italy’s largest bookstores)

https://www.hoepli.it/ 5. Libreria Rizzoli Galleria, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, MI (Dedicated corner with

International books) 6. Triennale Store, Viale Alemagna, 6, MILANO (Architecture, design, fashion,

photography). LEATHER GOODS APEX Via F. Rossi, 43, 21020 Barasso VA SHOES 1. Mazzucchelli Via Tomasetto, 2 - 21010 BESNATE (VA) 2. Rikiniki, Busto Arsizio 3. La Casa della Scarpa, Cassano Magnago 4. Pittarosso, Gallarate, Gallarate e Rescaldina (NRDC-ITA Discount with card) CLOTHES 1. Vicolungo Outlets 2. Fox Town, Mendrisio, Switzerland 3. Cavalli e Nastri, Via Brera, 2, or Via G G Mora, 12 or 3, MILANO Tel: 028 940 9452

(designer second-hand shop for men and women – not cheap!). 4. Il Centro, Via Giuseppe Eugenio Luraghi, 11, 20020 Arese , MI: good for teenagers 5. COIN – department store with clothes, kitchen ware, childrens clothes etc 6. OVS – 7. Rinascente – Large Department store with many different brands

ARTS AND CRAFTS, PARTY STUFF, KITCHEN KIT Zôdio, Via Palmiro Togliatti, 2, 20027 Rescaldina MI

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Coffee Shops Pasticceria Colombo, Via Roma 10, Barasso, VARESE (fantastic cakes and parking) La Brasiliana-Torrefazione, Via Antonio Magatti, 2, 21100 VARESE (loose coffee and tea) La Varesina Caffe, Via Vellone 15, 21100 VARESE www.varesinacaffe.com

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SPORT WITH NRDC-ITA & LOCAL GYMS, SWIMMING POOLS, LAKE SWIMMING Clubs in Caserma – Membership and Doctor’s Certificate required

Membership for you and your family through the NRDC-ITA serving spouse Ski and Snowboard Club (SSC)

Family skiing available at weekends. Coach leaves from the Caserma. Discounted ski-pass €15 and optional annual insurance €10. SSC Membership €10. (Bus, ski pass and 2hrs lesson: €35).

Sailing Club

Membership € Usually 4 courses: Try Sailing (for children only); Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Courses. Also offer a Cabin Cruiser Course: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.

Cerro di Laveno Sailing School, Lago Maggiore

Swimming Club

Membership € 10 MioClub, Cassano/Tradate Manara, Busto Arsizio Quisquash, Novara Lifevillage, Gallarate Piscina Solbiate, Solbiate Olona Piscina Bustese, Busto

Tennis

Membership €10; deposit max €60 must be made with Subsidised tennis lessons available with the Fagnano and Samarate Tennis Clubs and school camps for children. Fagnano: Lessons

Fagnano Olona Tennis Club, Via Edmondo de Amicis, 130, 21054 Fagnano Olona, VA. Eco Sport Tennis, Via G di Vittorio 14, Verghrera di Samarate, VA

Running Club

Membership €10; equipment cost 50%

Golf

Membership €20

NISIC Members can sometimes get special offers at “Le Robine Golf Club”

Shooting

Membership €10

Cycling

Membership €10; €50 annual fee for competitive level

Fighting

Membership € 15

NISIC try to arrange two courses a year FREE!

Scuba Diving

Membership €20; €10 second year. €160 diving course.

Gym (Palestra) Free to join but you must take a Timings: 07.00-18.00 (Mon-

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Doctor’s Certificate on your first visit to register.

Thurs) 07.00-12.00 (Friday)

Local Gyms, Swimming Pools and Lake Swimming

Gretisport Jerago con Orago Lago Maggiore: Cerro di Laveno, Many other places to swim all round Lago Maggiore.

Safe swimming for all

Lago di Monate: freshwater spring water. Very popular in Summer. L’Ultima Spiaggia, Parco Mariano, Il Larice Club,

Via Milano 1458, Travedona Monate Via Lago di Monate in Comabbio Via Al Lago, 449, 21020 Cadrezzate VA

Lago Comabbio: You can swim here and there is a sailing/rowing club.

Lago Varese: (You cannot swim in Lago Varese due to long term industrial pollution) Il Poggio Refresh (swimming pool and tennis in idyllic setting in Campo dei Fiori)

Via al Poggio, 20, 21020 Luvinate VA

Tennis Clubs

Varese: http://www.clublagunablu.com

Cycling Cycle round Lake Varese 28 kms Good for all ages Noleggio@gavirate

Rowing Schiranna (& Lido in Summer), Varese https://www.canottierivarese.org/it Australian Institute of Sport, Gavirate, Varese

Football Clubs

Varese US Bosto https://usbosto.it

Horseriding Bodio Lomnago https://scuderiasceree.com Varese https://www.clubippicolavalletta.it Scuderied di Mustonate Equestrian Center, VA

Via Innocente Salvini, 31, 21100, VA

Centro Ippico Seprio Via Cascina Tuss, 21040 Gornate-olona VA

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T 0331 850100 Cascina Speranza Via Speranza, 47, BUSTO ARSIZIO,

info@cascinasperanza.com Other

Climbing Wall at Castronno http://3dclimbing.it Windsurfing on Lago Garda Europa Surf and Sail

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TEENS & CHILDREN 1. Walking to waterfalls at Cittiglo 2. Waterpark Vicolungo 3. SUPing on Lago Maggiore 4. Tamaro Splash and Spa (with the flumes) 5. Volandia Aeroplane Museum (Seasonal Pass recommended) 6. Fattoria Pasque 7. Schiranna Swimming Pool/Lido 8. Swimming in Lake Monate or Maggiore 9. Lago di Monate (Larice Club) 10. Lago di Como (Lido di Menaggio) 11. Trattoria Gaggio – Varese 12. Varallo Pombia Safari Park 13. Genova Aquarium 14. Gardaland and Movieland (Peschiera sul Garda) 15. Mirabilandia (Ravenna) 16. Acquafan Riccione (Riccione) 17. Tour in bicicletta dei laghi, passeggiate in montagna 18. Leolandia (Bergamo) 19. Museums 20. Mantova: Festivaletteratura 21. Mantova: Segni d’Infanzia 22. Mottarone Pista Bob 23. Parco del Medio Olona 24. Laveno Mombello 25. Aquaworld Concorezzo 26. Varese: any part of the bike path 27. Varese: Sacro Monte and any walks in the Campo dei Fiori

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TOP TIPS and PERSONAL ADVICE From Romania 1. Do not forget the receipt (scontrino/ricevuta) at the restaurant, bar etc. You are

required by law to keep your receipt for 250 meters from the point of purchase (coffee included!). If the fiscal police stop you and you do not have a receipt to prove you legally paid for your purchase, they can fine you up to 250 euro on the spot, and the merchant is audited on the spot as well. Update: Liz comments having been stopped by the Fiscal Police recently the Law is that the Shop must have a copy of the receipt and make sure you leave with a scontrino too.

2. There is something called a coperto, which is just a charge you must pay for sitting down in a restaurant (or trattoria etc…). It covers the cost of the linens, the glassware, the cutlery, and any other overhead. It is per person (2, 3, 6 euros, for example).

3. Learn Italian language as quickly as possible. English, very often, is not helpful. 4. Install the programme “TRUE CALLER” on your mobile phone or you can ask your

telephone company to activate the “aggressive calls”. 5. Renting a car - no matter the period you rent a car (1 day or 28 days), you will pay

the insurance for 28 days 6. Renting a house - 7 days for electricity, 14 days for gas to put ON, after you have the

contract. 7. Internet connection – 20 days to put ON, after the contract was signed. 8. Buy everything with credit (a car, for example) - it is not possible if the tax domicile

is not in Italy. UK Contingent offered the following thoughts 1. Be patient! Attempt to speak in Italian even if you get it wrong. Italians will be

happy to correct you! 2. Be aware of varied opening times of Shops (most close between 12.30-15.30) 3. Driving can be frustrating! 4. Need to learn how to make coffee the Italian way! 5. Italy is very Seasonal, spend the Summer enjoying the Lakes. Be Aware that “Ferie d’

Agosto” means that everything will be closed so worth planning a trip away. Autumn enjoy the Cities. Winter enjoy the Mountains.

6. Recycling! How does it work! 7. Foresteria: ‘Hotels’ with a special price for Serving Military often in the centre of

cities eg Venice, Rome, Florence. You can book to stay here through the FSC. 8. Barber in the Barracks. US offered similar advice: Be patient, learn as much Italian as you can, learn to appreciate nuance. Wish I had known that Kitchens are small. Make sure you pick a house with a good one. The Netherlands I joined the International Womensclub Benvenuto Varese. You meet nice people and can participate with a lot of activities. Spain Wish I had known about Laghi della Lombardia

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Italy 1. Do not waste time, Italy has 48 UNESCO Heritage Sites. Stand up and go and visit

them! 2. Climb, walk, run in the unique Dolomites 3. Enjoy the mixed cultures in Sicily and Salento 4. Do not miss the fashion week in Milan! 5. Visitare anche paesi piccolo, soprattutto i borghi. Germany 1 Baby swimming 0-3 years lagunablu.com 2 Baby playgroup Barasso: 00 39 349 835 2941 3 English Speaking Midwife: Cristina Clerici 00 39 349 520 3951 4 Il Canile, Varese (reliable place for ‘rescue’ dogs).

Poland 1. Good ice cream shop: Gelateria Le Piscine, Largo S Giuseppe,1, 21052 BUSTO 2. Allow plenty of time to adjust to a new Country 3. Wish I had known that choosing somewhere to live is difficult. Need to think about

what you want when renting an apartment: make a list of what is important to you: city or peaceful life; infrastructure that you require near you; what different cities provide;

4. Get good advice about how long your journey will take to the NRDC base and back during working hours and during the day.

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PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES Car Insurance

Geico Vicenza, geicovicenza@hotmail.it 0444 305052

Car Insurance Vittoria Assicurazioni 347 4183012 (Miss Francesca Moller) ag_124.08@agentivittoria.it

Fuel Information Check with FSC Toll Payments: Telepass It is possible to register for the Telepass with

foreign plates. Ask your Bank to register you. Registration at Vicenza

Tel: 0444 617 820/824 Note: if you both want to drive a car you must both attend Vicenza to register.

Hire Car: You should choose which type of Insurance you want. You only pay for the days you hire the car.

VARESE: Europcar, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 140/c, 21100 Calcinate del Pesce www.europcar.it

Car Trains Trenitalia Online Freccia Rossa Online – seat reservation required.

The earlier you book the cheaper the price.

Also at the station.

Italo Online – seat reservation required Also at the station Tickets 1. When buying from the machine

make sure you know which direction you are going in.

2. Local trains need to be ‘stamped/validated’ before boarding the train.

Ask train guard if you have a problem.

Metro, Milano ‘Urban Tickets’. All tickets within the city centre cost €1.50 for 90 minutes. It’s possible to ask for a ticket to be valid for 24 hours ‘One Day ticket’ for €4.50 within the Urban limits. Extra Urban Tickets for travel on intercity routes from Greater Milan to Milan terminals Cumulative Tickets: travel on both the Milan City and intercity network

Be aware of pickpockets! ATM Milano Official App

Bus app, Varese CTPI Really useful! Train app Trenord, Trenitalia Recommended!

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Planes – airports and parking (Note there are 2 Terminals at Malpensa Airport about 5

minutes driving apart) There is a very efficient bus link between the two. It can also be reached easily with the Malpensa Express train Easyjet Parking:

Milan Malpensa T2 (MXP) Taxi: 0274869272 (English speaking)

BA, Lufthansa, etc Parking:

Milan Malpensa T1 (MXP)

Parking away from MXP many options in Somma Lombardo

Eg. Mister Parking – leave your car and keys, they drop/collect you at T1 or T2.

Milan Linate (East of Milan) Torino Bergamo (Orio al Serio)

Ferries Ferries are a great way of seeing any of the lakes. http://www.lagomaggioreexpress.eu/index.php/orari ( a day trip using boat & train)

http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/lago-maggiore.aspx (boat timetable)

VISITING THE BORROMEO ISLANDS: Consider parking (free) at L’Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso. Take the passenger ferry across to Stresa (* only runs from April/Oct), change ferry to visit the Borromeo Islands (Bella, Pescatori & Madre). Ask for a ticket which includes all the places you want to go. Stresa is a lovely place to wander round. Alternatively drive to Laveno and take the car/foot passenger ferry across to Intra and drive round. At Laveno, don’t forget to take the funivia (bucket lift for 2 people) for a wonderful view over the area. http://www.funiviedellagomaggiore.it

Learn more about the Countries where NISIC Members live. Please visit our website to find out more about the following countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, The Netherlands, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America

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USEFUL WEBSITES Milan: https://www.wheremilan.com/ WASTE COLLECTION: Very efficient, twice a week, check with your neighbour! Go to your local recycling company (Coinger) and ask for a Calender for ‘rubbish collections’ in your area.

Yellow bag: for plastic or Cardboard Box: Paper (alternate weeks) Purple bag: everything else (once a week) Brown plastic container Humido /kitchen waste (twice a week) Green plastic container: Vetro/glass (once a week)

Ecological platform: access by CODICE FISCALE

VARESE: http://www.varesefailadifferenza.it/asp/export/sites/default/aspem/comunicazione/varesefailadifferenza/documenti/guide_waste_collection_VA.pdf http://www.coinger.it/le-raccolte/centri-di-raccolta/ BUSTO ARSIZIO: http://agespspa.agesp.it/index.php/per-una-corretta-raccolta/

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WALKS – TRIED AND TESTED SKIING – AND WHERE TO STAY USEFUL BOOK “Always Sunday The Best places around Varese, Lake Maggiore, Como and Milan" Liesbeth Paardekooper. This book has 50 ideas of where to visit and what to do and they are all brilliant! 1. The Waterfalls at Cittiglo (between Gavirate and Laveno) 2. The Azzate Loop is ideal for young children with bikes/scooters. 3. Brunello – numerous paths for walkers and their dogs. 4. Parco del Campo dei Fiori 5. Monteviasco 6. Walk or cycle round Lake Varese 7. Sacro Monte di Varese, good choice of places for Aperitivo 8. Olona Valley 9. Lago di Braies, Dolomites 10. Walk in the hills above Lago Como 11. Walk round the Old Town of Bergamo 12. Walk down from Monte Mottarone 13. Circular Walk from Cicogna, Val Grande 14. Walks from Riale, (Winter and Summer!) 15. Walk or cycle round Lago Comabbio (12.5kms) 3-4 hours (Park: Mercallo, Ternate, Corgeno) 16. Lago Orta with it’s Sacro Monte in Orta San Giulio http://en.lagomaggiore.net/orta-san-giulio.htm

Recommended Places to Ski and stay www.dovesciare.it

Aosta Valley: La Thuile Pila Valtournenche Champoluc Gressoney

Courmayeur Good for all family. Diletta at Hotel Edelweiss, speaks perfect English, happy to have dogs, cats, snakes etc and they can be left in the room. Also, Hotel Bouton d’Or very friendly, good breakfast.

Piedmont: Bardonecchia Sestiere Via Lattea Pragelato (TO) Limone Piemote (CN)

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San Domenico (VB) Empty during the week, and good for families Lombardia: Bormio Chiesa Valmalendo Adamello Passo del Tonale Livigno Adamello