Marco and I had been married for nearly four months when our parents met each other for the first time. My parents had met Marco, and his parents knew me and each had to hold that as good enough for a marriage. Trans-atlantic relationships being what they are, the two sets of parents had never… Read more »
Every experience in a new culture comes with a heavy dose of judgement. Some more politically correct than me wouldn’t admit to such a thing, but we all know it’s true. Read: 50 Things Americans First Think About Italy As humans we need to tackle novelty and mold it into a shape that makes sense to… Read more »
So you want to live abroad? I get it. You want that kick-ass expat life, filled with every single beautiful film or Instagram image you’ve ever seen of Italy. You’ll have it all – fast paced city life with gorgeous vespas zooming by driven by gorgeous people, and the sweet rolling hills of the countryside…. Read more »
We already have a very succinct, but very precise Manifesto for any and all travelers in Italy (Check it out here, it’s important) but I believe there’s more explanation needed for first-time travelers in Italy (and even repeat offenders!) Everyone wants to seem like a local when they travel, here are some ways to help:… Read more »
A lot changed when I moved to Italy, not least of which myself. Over these three years I’ve grown personally, and I’ve also grown geographically. I’ve assimilated many Italian habits and beliefs, for better or worse. Here are some of the American habits I lost along the way: 1) Enjoying personal space Moving to Italy… Read more »
It’s no secret that the Italian post office is hell. Small boxed-shaped buildings, the ufficio postale replaces flames with little old ladies, torture with numbered tickets and inefficiency. Then of course there are the poor, spiteful devils who work there. Past post office visits include: – Trying to buy a roll of stamps only to be told they… Read more »
Last week I cried out of frustration – again. Maybe I was tired, or hungry, or already frustrated by a frustrated Marco. Maybe I’m just one to easily cry – but that’s not the point. The point is, even after nearly a year of my life in Italy, I still have my moments. I still… Read more »
Originally, I didn’t want to move to Italy. When I showed my hesitation my friends usually responded, “What! Why?”, then looked off into the distance, imagining driving through sun-kissed fields of olive trees and vineyards while stories of love and laughter filled pages of their newly-penned novel. But rehabilitating myself as I rehabilitate an old… Read more »
I started going to Mass again since I moved to Italy. It’s a surreal experience for a semi-religious American. We go most often to the Duomo of Monza, which is an even grander experience than your typical chiesa, though all the churches are ornate, detailed and rich in atmosphere. You won’t find sunny churches with… Read more »
Years of dreaming, months of planning, days counted down and a 9 hour plane ride later and I finally made it to Italy!!! I’ve wanted to study in Italy since I was a little girl. Search through old journals of mine from elementary school and you’ll find things such as “Someday I’m going to go… Read more »
