What about the rate of homicides per inhabitant in the US and in Italy? Where do you think it is higher?
Is it true you need a tax payer ID for everything from opening a bank account and paying bills, to signing up with an ISP ? If you want to spend only part of the year in Italy , aren't the tax authorities going to investigate you to make sure that you are paying taxes somewhere?
Yes, you need this ID for everything. It is called 'codice fiscale'. Just go there, ask for short-term resident authorisation (permesso di sogiorno) (usually for three months) and then apply for a tax ID. Then you'll keep this ID forever, even if you're not a resident anymore.
As of the taxpayer ID you need it only if you are legally resident. Non resident foreigners can open (tax free) bank accounts. I can't say anything about utilities bills. I suppose the answer would be "yes". If you spend only part of the year you probably won't be liable to any tax unless you work or own a business (trading excluded).
San Remo is boring, but you are in the middle of the Riviera. There is one music festival there an dthat's about all....
If you live in Bologna you can choose to be within 1 hour to Florence or go within 2 hour to Venice or another 2 hours to Rome.
George Clooney has bought home ...here http://www.villaerba.it/ http://www.centrohotelslagocomo.it/home_it.htm I Love Costa Smeralda http://www.spghoneymoons.com/locations/costasmeralda.html Q.