Rest: (verb) to stop work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength.
Guilt: (verb) to make (someone) feel guilty, especially in order to induce them to do something
Mindset (noun) the established set of attitudes held by someone.
My pre-Italian self struggled with rest. My mindset had no room for it.
I would sleep only a few hours a night so I could learn more, move faster and get to the next idea. My dad used to yell “Sam! For God's sake slow down!”
But I couldn’t, because I always felt like there was an invisible train pressing on my back, pushing me forward. And, even when I would find time to dodge it and exhale, the guilt would set in.
Why are you not working? Why are you not moving? Why aren’t you …. And it was intense.
Very, intense.
And I was tired.
Very, tired.
Except when I was in Italy. In Italy, I felt no pressure. There was no invisible train pushing me further, faster. I was always at peace, until my 90 days were up, and I would return to set up on the tracks once again.
One of the key reasons that I knew moving to Italy was perfect for me (besides that eating cake for breakfast is normal) was that in Italy, there was no guilt in rest.
In Italy, rest is mandatory. In fact, it is one of the five principles of the Italian Lifestyle (more on that in future newsletters). I have learned that it is not only desired but also mandatory to turn off the phone, close the laptop and do nothing. This mindset is so entrenched in culture that they have a famous phrase “la dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing).
Don’t mix the desire to slow down with being lazy, because it takes a lot of work and effort to do nothing! Italians, are not lazy.
The best example of this is Ferragosto, the August break. Starting from the 15th ( but really it starts August 1) Italians slow down and then stop to focus on the pleasures in life. Friends, family, food, nature, and their communities.
Shops close, restaurants go dark, and work life takes a back seat. There is no talk about business. No “What do you do for a living?” questions at parties and zero guilt for never answering a Whatsapp or email.
There is no time wasted worrying that they will lose money or customers, because their commitment to each other, their health, and well-being, are far greater than a business transaction. They – and you – have permission to stop. Turn off. Unplug.
It has taken me years to really embrace this mindset. And I am sure that some of our clients from North America are shocked when we say, “Sorry, we are closed for two weeks in August”…
But what I know to be true is that when we return, on August 28th we will be relaxed, rested, healthier, safer, and reconnected to our families, work life, and you.
Rest without Guilt = Italian Mindset. (Maybe a new T-shirt?)
Buon Ferragosto to you all!
The Art of Small-Town Living: Testing Out a Tuscan Village
Choosing between a small town and a medium to large city really depends on the person, but if you’re still on the fence, this might be just the read you need. ….
Going with the Flow: What’s in Season at the Market!
No matter your location (a small town or bustling city), there’s nothing better than waking up early, and heading to the local fresh market - and there are always plenty to choose from.
In fact, I think every town, regardless of the size has a fresh market at least once a week - if not a market, then a vendor with a truck overflowing with local goodies will be parked somewhere.
If you’ve adopted the “shop according to season” attitude, then this is the best way to gather up your daily goodies and support the local farmers.
We are deep into the heart of summer here in Italy, so the seasonal vegetables and fruit are abundant. If you’re here, you’ve likely noticed the piles of watermelon / anguria (🍉) at the grocery store, as well as the sweetest tomatoes (🍅) in all sizes. In fact, last month I was in Locorotondo and had tiny yellow tomatoes that were like eating candy - but with zero guilt!
Curious about which produce to fill your basket with? Here are some of our favorites that are currently in season!
Nightshades
Eggplant “Melananzana”
Sweet peppers “Peperone” (if you have ever ordered pepperoni pizza here, you will get these little babies and not salami)
Zucchini “Zucchine”
Stone fruits & Melons
Apricots “Albicocche”
Nectarines “Nettarine”
Plums “Prugne”
Blueberries “Mirtilli”
Melon “Melone” (Melone + Prosciutto is one of my all-time summer favorites!)
Figs “Fichi”
Watermelon “Anguria”
Don’t forget to bring cash and coins with you when you go to fresh markets! Credit and debit cards aren't always accepted. Plus with cash, you can get a better deal!
Join our FREE Bootcamp - no matter which stage you’re in!
I think the best part of my job is listening to your stories and dreams and finding ways to make them come true. I know over the years we have had THOUSANDS of people come to my Bootcamp and many are already here living their best lives.
I was going through some posts from past Bootcamps and found Angela’s which rang true. I share so much information in this free Bootcamp that people are known to fill their journals with notes! 🙌.
You might be curious when reading her comment, what’s Stage 2? For a bit of a sneak peek, that’s the Evaluating Stage 🤔 which is one of the most important parts of your plan.
The Bootcamp has been the first step for so many people, and if you are thinking of moving to Italy even just part-time, you need to grab a spot. Don’t worry if you are not able to make the dates, you can watch in replays for a limited time after - but you need to sign up first!📥.
Location Spotlight: Missed Montelupo Fiorentino
Discover one of Tuscany’s hidden gems by exploring the charming hilltop town of Montelupo Fiorentino. This destination offers a slow-paced lifestyle and affordable properties, especially when compared to its neighbor, Florence.
Stroll along the main street, Corso Garibaldi (AKA Galleria Garibaldi), for specialty shops, eateries, and spots to sit and visit. On a rainy day, you can learn about the town’s famous ceramic production, by visiting the Museo della Ceramica in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. For those adored sunny days, you’re going to love the walking and biking paths nearby.
Having a train station in the town center is a huge plus. With both the Florence (FLR) and Pisa (PSA) airports near, traveling will be a breeze. To explore other Tuscan towns, you can also catch a bus to begin your adventures.
Montelupo Fiorentino embraces traditional Tuscan cuisine. For those who have already tried the famous Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), consider trying Peposo. It’s a typical beef stew made with wine and extra virgin olive oil, which are two products widely produced in this area. The town is known to host festivals for food and art, so keep an eye out for posters and stands.
Although the town is home to a small business school, and a ceramics one as well, it’s not a “university town” like Siena or Florence. But, with Florence so near, you can easily commute if there’s a program you’re interested in. The same goes for expats and English speakers. While it’s less common in this small town, you’re not far from destinations that are more widely known for these communities.
So, why not consider Montelupo as your next destination?
AMA (Ask me anything)
Email us at sophia@smartmoveitaly.com to submit your questions.
Dear Samantha: Once we have established Italian residency can we join the Italian health care system, even if we have pre-existing conditions?
Dear Pat and Phil: Hi Pat and Phil. Yes! All residents of Italy can subscribe to the Italian public healthcare system. If you are Italian, it is free. If you are not Italian, you will pay a yearly voluntary fee that is calculated based on your income. The lowest yearly rate is just under 400 euros, but someone on an ERV (retired income) will pay more or less 2500 euro/ year.
There are no requirements or penalties for pre-existing conditions, there is just an annual fee from Jan - Dec each year. If you are purchasing private health insurance, to use in the private system, then yes, pre-existing conditions will factor into your coverage. But for the public system, no.
The Inside Track …
Citizenship: How to Qualify
Ever wondered what it takes to qualify for Italian Citizenship? 🇮🇹 Whether you have Italian ancestry, are married to an Italian, or have been living in Italy for years, this overview should help you get the ball rolling…
Italian Descendants – Jure Sanguinis: Beginning in 1992, Italy passed a law allowing those of Italian descent to legally secure citizenship. Their government requires that you prove your ancestry and submit the application at your local Italian consulate. However, some exceptions will exempt you from obtaining your Italian citizenship. They are:
If the Italian-born ancestor was naturalized before June 14, 1912.
An Italian female in the Italian line gave birth to her child before January 1, 1948.
You were born before 1948 and your only Italian legal parent is female.
Non-Italian Descendants - Jure Matrimonii: If your better half is an Italian citizen and you are married to that person, then you can secure Italian citizenship through the marriage to your spouse. This is a time-based process as you will be able to apply for citizenship only after two years of marriage if residing in Italy, or after three years of residing in a country that is not Italy.
Citizenship through Residency/Naturalization: Probably the most complex path to gaining Italian citizenship. You must establish a legal full-time residency in Italy (of which you would have needed a Visa).
There is a mandatory time requirement to be met, based on your specific situation. If you are a non-EU resident the wait is 10 years, and four years if you are an EU resident. Unfortunately, the wait time after application can be several years and the Italian government can also reject any application if they deem you any kind of security risk. So it is definitely the long game.
Visit our site here for more info on case types, to take a 2-minute quiz, and book a free consultation call. If you’re currently on your citizenship journey or recently attained it, let us know in the comments below 👀!
Property: For the Future Renters
Have you read our blog post about the real cost of renting in Italy 📝? With some estimates and pointers, we dive into the essential costs 💶 and factors you need to consider when renting a place in bella Italia.
👉🏼 Click here to have a quick read and get the details you need to begin planning and saving. From agent fees to deposits, utilities, and more, it’s best to be in the know 💡 as soon as possible.
I was so happy to receive this from a successful ERV application in our ERV Lab! Click to watch!
JOIN THE ERV LAB AND RETIRE TO ITALY!
If you are not Italian or European, you will need a visa to retire to Italy, and most likely the one you will be going after will be the Elective Residency Visa.
But they are notoriously difficult and the key is to know exactly how to prepare your application for your specific consulate.
Join the ERV Lab, and be the next Michael and Carole - and live your dream of retiring in Italy!
Follow & Tell me what you need…
With this new issue, I’d like to say a big “grazie” to each and every one of you, our wonderful readers and fellow dreamers! 🌟 Your enthusiasm and curiosity fuel this newsletter, and make it truly unique.
There are no silly questions and there’s no challenge too big or small. “Italy, Per Te” is designed for you, and your questions, discoveries, and excitement for Italy drive us to explore and share together. So, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m all ears.
Until next time, keep chasing your dreams and making use of the many resources you have right here at your fingertips. Regardless of where you’re currently reading this from, Italy or abroad, we all have our to-do lists and the small wins matter. So, whether you need to research your legal pathways or claim residency in your new town, there’s much to celebrate 🥂, each step of the way.
P.S. Follow me on Insta!
PPS: For those of you who are following me on Threads - hang in there. The EU has blocked this app in our area. I will be back as soon as the tech giants get their heads together!
Ciao for now! Samantha