I’m working on Italian citizenship (my dad is a citizen) and also working on having a kid on my own and this story just feels so excellent to hear at this pivotal time for me as I’m hoping to have my kid/raise them in Italy. Thank you for sharing!
Oh Lauren, this is so exciting! I’m sending you all the positive vibes that this works out for you in every way! Please keep me updated as you move forward with the citizenship and your plans. I’d love to hear x
Interestingly enough, the many points you describe are also ones I use living in a small American midwestern town. I grew up across the pond but continue to rely on my upbringing there to create and keep my own culture here.
What a wonderful post! I lived in Italy way back in the 60s…… in Verona, in Rome and in Naples where I taught English for a British language school. It changed my life and I go back every year to experience again how life should be lived.
Thank you, Pamela! I would love to hear more about living in Italy in the 1960s in Verona, Rome and Naples. What an incredible experience! Was it touristy at all? Did you learn Italian? I love your tradition of returning annually. How wonderful xx
Lolly, Rome was always full of tourists during the summer months; the Italians shuttered their businesses and left on vacation for the month of August. In October, the Romans were back, the tourists gone (for the most part) and Rome was Rome/Italian again.
Verona had very few tourists except for the opera season in the summer which was glorious. The singers from La Scala performed in the Arena, the old Roman arena, under the stars on summer evenings, and the season opened with Aida. The ugly plastic seats now covering the stone seating in the arena weren’t there at the time. We bought a ticket, rented a cushion (for 50 lira -about $00.10) and climbed up the steps to choose a spot to sit on. The opera over, people poured into the cafes that lined the streets around the Piazza Bra for some wine and something to eat. It
Romeo and Juliet were unimportant and “oh, yes, there is a balcony somewhere, down some street said to be Juliet’s balcony” and this was said with a roll of the eyes. Verona had so much of beauty to offer; Lake Garda, Venice, Padova, and Vicenza an hour or two away so Romeo and Juliet were left to Shakespeare’s world.
Naples was another world…..so unlike either Rome and northern Italy that it took some getting used to. I need to leave that to another day.
Dear Pamela, Thank you for taking the time to read this. I felt transported back in time. How I wish I could have gone to the Arena di Verona with you in the 1960s! And I never would have guessed that Juliet's balcony wasn't always the crazy attraction it is now. I look forward to reading your thoughts on that time any other day you feel up to it. x
Such a wonderful post, and I can identify with so much of what you write. It is far from easy immigrating to a country with such a different way of life and after just two years, I'm still encountering obstacles and sometimes feel "what the hell have I done?" but I guess I'll get there in the end!
After reading your piece, I think the courage lies with you! I remember you saying three was the magic number and we agreed that the Covid Years didn’t count - I’ll hang on in there. xx
Loved reading this! My husband is Sardinian and I've had many similar experiences adjusting to life and culture in Sardinia, where it's most definitely all about the slow life. We're hoping to make a home between the U.S. and Sardinia with some of our wine business goals, but will be spending the majority of our time there eventually. Anyways, thanks for sharing your experiences!
Hey Nikki! Thank you. 💛 I loved reading your story too! Your journey sounds full of bumps and twists and turns, but what a place to end up. Can’t wait to follow the rest
I very much enjoyed reading this and your perspective shifts. As someone who is looking to expat from the US, it was so assuring to hear your experience held the joys you imagined it could.
Oh thank you so much for your lovely comment, Kelsey! I hope you manage to realize your plans. It has been a journey of ups and downs but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
So nice to meet you, Nicole! I’m originally from Michigan and all over but Manhattan was the last place I lived in the US. It is a huge adjustment. I give you lots of kudos! Xx
Love this post and chuckled at the "two way street" in Italy. So true! This latest trip we had a rental with mirrors that flip in with a touch a button and we found that on some streets that's literally what drivers do to get through!
You are absolutely right on all of it and that’s the way I feel coming back in my homeland after 58 years in Canada. Yes yes and yes. Complimenti Pamela,
I’m working on Italian citizenship (my dad is a citizen) and also working on having a kid on my own and this story just feels so excellent to hear at this pivotal time for me as I’m hoping to have my kid/raise them in Italy. Thank you for sharing!
Oh Lauren, this is so exciting! I’m sending you all the positive vibes that this works out for you in every way! Please keep me updated as you move forward with the citizenship and your plans. I’d love to hear x
Interestingly enough, the many points you describe are also ones I use living in a small American midwestern town. I grew up across the pond but continue to rely on my upbringing there to create and keep my own culture here.
I LOVE hearing this, Rachel! You’re in Northern Michigan, right?
Northern Indiana.
I love Northern Indiana. Thank you for reminding me. ❤️
What a wonderful post! I lived in Italy way back in the 60s…… in Verona, in Rome and in Naples where I taught English for a British language school. It changed my life and I go back every year to experience again how life should be lived.
Thank you, Pamela! I would love to hear more about living in Italy in the 1960s in Verona, Rome and Naples. What an incredible experience! Was it touristy at all? Did you learn Italian? I love your tradition of returning annually. How wonderful xx
Lolly, Rome was always full of tourists during the summer months; the Italians shuttered their businesses and left on vacation for the month of August. In October, the Romans were back, the tourists gone (for the most part) and Rome was Rome/Italian again.
Verona had very few tourists except for the opera season in the summer which was glorious. The singers from La Scala performed in the Arena, the old Roman arena, under the stars on summer evenings, and the season opened with Aida. The ugly plastic seats now covering the stone seating in the arena weren’t there at the time. We bought a ticket, rented a cushion (for 50 lira -about $00.10) and climbed up the steps to choose a spot to sit on. The opera over, people poured into the cafes that lined the streets around the Piazza Bra for some wine and something to eat. It
Romeo and Juliet were unimportant and “oh, yes, there is a balcony somewhere, down some street said to be Juliet’s balcony” and this was said with a roll of the eyes. Verona had so much of beauty to offer; Lake Garda, Venice, Padova, and Vicenza an hour or two away so Romeo and Juliet were left to Shakespeare’s world.
Naples was another world…..so unlike either Rome and northern Italy that it took some getting used to. I need to leave that to another day.
Dear Pamela, Thank you for taking the time to read this. I felt transported back in time. How I wish I could have gone to the Arena di Verona with you in the 1960s! And I never would have guessed that Juliet's balcony wasn't always the crazy attraction it is now. I look forward to reading your thoughts on that time any other day you feel up to it. x
Loved this! Italy always sounds like such a beautiful place to live, both in terms of the people and the country itself.
Thank you, Christina! Italy is my home and has my heart!
This is such a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing. You are an exceptional human.
Irfan! Thank your for your kind comment. This was from my heart so that means a lot coming from you!
You are the embodiment of heroism
Such a wonderful post, and I can identify with so much of what you write. It is far from easy immigrating to a country with such a different way of life and after just two years, I'm still encountering obstacles and sometimes feel "what the hell have I done?" but I guess I'll get there in the end!
Thank you Jan!! ❤️ Give it one more year. I think after the magic 3 years it will start to really feel like home. You are so courageous!
After reading your piece, I think the courage lies with you! I remember you saying three was the magic number and we agreed that the Covid Years didn’t count - I’ll hang on in there. xx
…and we’ll visit again soon!! 💛
This was absolutely beautiful Lolly! Loved reading all of this!!!
Thank you Emma!! It was from my heart. I’m so happy you enjoyed it 🥰
Lovely read! I love Italy. It is very familiar to me with Persian heritage.
Thank you so much for reading and replying! What a wonderful and rich heritage you come from! I’m following you now to learn more! 💛
Loved reading this! My husband is Sardinian and I've had many similar experiences adjusting to life and culture in Sardinia, where it's most definitely all about the slow life. We're hoping to make a home between the U.S. and Sardinia with some of our wine business goals, but will be spending the majority of our time there eventually. Anyways, thanks for sharing your experiences!
Hey Nikki! Thank you. 💛 I loved reading your story too! Your journey sounds full of bumps and twists and turns, but what a place to end up. Can’t wait to follow the rest
Wonderful memories of your journey to live La dolce vita
Thank you so much, Tracy! I had a lot of fun remembering and relfecting to make the list. ❤️
Delightful story. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to make such a nice comment, Edgar!
I very much enjoyed reading this and your perspective shifts. As someone who is looking to expat from the US, it was so assuring to hear your experience held the joys you imagined it could.
Oh thank you so much for your lovely comment, Kelsey! I hope you manage to realize your plans. It has been a journey of ups and downs but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Lovely! I am also from Manhattan and moved to Tuscany two years ago. I had our third child here. It’s still such an adjustment! Yikes!
PS what’s your most difficult adjustment? I’m so curious
So nice to meet you, Nicole! I’m originally from Michigan and all over but Manhattan was the last place I lived in the US. It is a huge adjustment. I give you lots of kudos! Xx
Love this post and chuckled at the "two way street" in Italy. So true! This latest trip we had a rental with mirrors that flip in with a touch a button and we found that on some streets that's literally what drivers do to get through!
Haha! Yep! I’ve been there more than once in my little 4wheel
drive Suzuki Jimny! Those streets are narrow as heck 😅
You are absolutely right on all of it and that’s the way I feel coming back in my homeland after 58 years in Canada. Yes yes and yes. Complimenti Pamela,
Grazie mille Tino! Welcome back home! I subscribed to yours too. Looking forward to all the stories! - Lolly