Networking (Tuscany/Siena Border)

We are planning to relocate to a place near (only 14km from) Chiusi (Tuscany/Siena border) and seek to get in touch with residents nearby in order to learn how the Italian knots are tied.

Unfortunately so far, we only speak German, English and Spanish.
A contact via Skype would be great.

Saluti & grazie
Janin

Welcome Janin. Only speak German, English and Spanish! Don't think it will take you long to pick up Italian.
Not too sure if we have anyone here nearby Chiusi(which looks a superb location), but I'm sure there are many here who can help you with any questions you have.

Welcome, Janin. We are in Northern Tuscany (Lucca Province), but I do not know of anyone in your area, although there are some members in nearby Umbria who may be able to help. Learning Italian is vital in order to successfully integrate. You may find some similarities between Spanish and Italian, but also quite a few differences and the "faux Amis", those words which look and sound almost identical but have totally different meanings, are a real trap. I am fluent in Spanish, French and English and also have done quite a bit of Latin; however, I keep on studying and trying to practice my Italian. Immersion in the language is great and my language skills tend to dramatically improve whenever we spend time in Italy.... In any case, good luck with your projects!

CDL is near Chiusi and there is a good expat community there .... and an e-mag circulation to keep them all in touch.
I suggest you spend some time there and, in particular, go to the foreign language cinema where you'll meet your new chums.   Good luck and welcome to the good life.

Good idea from sagraisolar. Send an e-mail to castiglionenewsletter at gmail.com and you will get put onto their mailing list.

There is not only a really quite well stocked English library in Castigione del Lago, (also German fiction), but also 'coffee morning' meet ups every fortnight, and the English language films already mentioned. I hesitate to mention it (!) but there is a 'pub quiz' which quite a few Brits and Americans from Citta della Pieve take part in. 

Naturally, everybody hates each other, and misinformation is rife!

Citta della Pieve is slightly more cosmopolitan, and there are quite a few initiatives where all sorts of nationalities get together to learn Italian, organise multi-cultural cooking fests etc. I'm sure you'll find some bit of society to engage with happily. (Playing cricket helps - the Citta della Pieve Sri Lankans can field two teams...!)

Thank you for your suggestions.
I am certain that once we are there we'd find friends. Our children are mountainbikers and I read that the area has trails and events for cyclists.

Janin