š®š¹ We owe you an explanation.
Give yourself permission to rest like a true Italian. Plus, the truth behind living well, why sorting trash is a full time job, and a cinematic love letter to one of the Amalfi's treasured towns.
Give Yourself Permission to Rest š“
By now, youāre familiar with the August break which is just a part of the Italian culture. To outsiders, visitors, and newbies, this break may seem like an inconvenience. It may be difficult to fathom how so many Italians are completely OK with walking away from their businesses during what seems to be the busiest month for tourism. Well, we owe you an explanation.
During the month of August, Italians give themselves permission to rest, unwind, and recharge. Itās not just about escaping the heat (though thatās certainly a perk!), but about embracing a philosophy that values quality time with loved ones, exploring new places, and simply enjoying the pleasures of life.
Despite the potential financial implications (which seems to perplex non-Italians the most!), businesses shut down, offices close their doors, and the streets of cities like Rome and Milan empty out as locals head to the coast or countryside. Itās a time when productivity takes a back seat to relaxation, and the concept of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) is embraced wholeheartedly.
This tradition speaks volumes about Italian values. The culture prioritizes family bonds, community, and personal well-being over the relentless pursuit of productivity. Itās a reminder that life isnāt just about work and deadlines; itās about savoring the moments that matter most.
So, if you find yourself wondering why your favorite trattoria is closed or why it seems like the entire town has disappeared, remember that itās all part of the rhythm of life here. We owe you an explanation for this annual hiatus, but we also invite you to give yourself permission to pause, to reflect, and to indulge in the simple joys of summer.
Podcast Corner - Secrets to a Long Life in Italy
When we say āget ready to live your best life in Italy,ā itās not just a catch phrase. Italians live well, and they live long. Whatās behind this longevity and high quality of life? Some would say it must be the food, but thereās so much more to the story.
In the latest episode of A New Life in Italy podcast, Samantha delves into this subject and uncovers how a combination of every day habits and cultural norms contribute to this phenomenon. You donāt want to miss Samās special guest, Dr. Susan Levenstein, an American Doctor who has been living and practicing in Rome for nearly 40 years. Dr. Levenstein shares her unique perspective and explains how Italyās healthcare system and culture compares to those of other countries.
This isnāt a podcast just about the healthcare system. Among the topics covered are how income inequality, social networks, family ties and mindset contributes to overall health. Join Sam and Dr. Levenstein as they reveal some unexpected and little known aspects of daily life that truly benefit those who call Italy home.
Italyās Obsession with Trash š®
Starting a new life in Italy can feel like a dream ā at first ā but reality sets in pretty quickly, which means dealing with real-life situations like driving on unfamiliar streets, navigating document requirements, figuring out the healthcare system, and deciphering the trash pickup schedule.
Recycling and waste management are probably not completely foreign concepts to you but Italians do trash differently. There is a meticulous process to sorting trash that must be followed if you want your waste collected. Italians take recycling seriously, so understanding the system can make a big difference in settling comfortably into your new home.
š® In Italy, waste management is highly regulated, and each household is expected to separate waste into different categories for recycling. This includes:
Organic Waste (Organico): Food scraps, coffee grounds, and other biodegradable materials. They are typically collected separately and used for composting or bioenergy production.
Paper and Cardboard (Carta e Cartone): Newspapers, cardboard boxes, magazines, and any paper-based materials fall into this category. They should be placed in designated bins or bags for collection.
Plastic and Metal (Plastica e Metallo): Plastic bottles, containers, metal cans, and aluminum foil are sorted into this category. These items should be rinsed and placed in specific bins.
Glass (Vetro): Glass bottles and jars are collected separately. They should be sorted by color (clear, green, and brown) and deposited into appropriate containers.
Residual Waste (Indifferenziata): Items that cannot be recycled or composted, such as certain plastics, diapers, and non-recyclable packaging, go into this bin.
š® In most Italian cities and towns, you'll find color-coded bins or containers for each type of waste. These are usually located either on the street or in communal areas for apartment buildings. The colors and labeling may vary slightly depending on the region, so be sure to check with your comune to see how they do things.
š® After youāve conquered the sorting challenge, youāll need to pay attention to collection schedules, which vary by municipality and are typically organized several times a week. Missing collection times or improperly sorted trash can result in fines, so it's worth paying attention to these details. It may even make sense to have a color-coded pickup calendar handy.
This all may seem a bit confusing at first but youāll surely get into a rhythm once you get settled in. And, thereās actually an App called Junker per la differenziata that helps you figure out how to recycle an item by scanning the barcode. Little tools like this will help you ease into your new life and start sorting like a local!
Location Spotlight - Camerino, Macerata
One of the best things about Italy is that there is a region, a city, a town, or a village for everyone. Whether youāre looking to base yourself in a tourist hot spot or a peaceful, rural hamlet, there are so many locations to choose from, and discovering them is part of the fun. This week, weād like to suggest a location that is perfectly positioned about halfway between Perugia and the coastal town of Ancona in a picturesque part of Italy that could be considered underappreciated. Welcome to Camerino in the province of Macerata, Marche.
Camerino has a population of just under 10,000, making it ideal for those who donāt want a huge city but need the vibrancy of a bustling community. While surrounded by stunning rolling hills (the views from the edge of town are not to be missed!), youāll find the town full of historical treasures, charming piazzas, and a wide range of amenities including amazing restaurants, shops, and services. The homes and streets are clean and well-maintained and you can tell residents here take pride in their hometown.
Your social calendar in Camerino will be full of events and festivals, from traditional food fairs to local art exhibitions and outdoor markets. Two of the most popular events are the Corsa alla Spada (Race to the Sword) in May and the International Festival of Chamber Music and Theatre in August. Also worth noting are some of the townās culinary specialties including ciauscolo (a spreadable salami), nougat, and walnut bread (yum!).
Real estate here runs the gamut. There are so many options at every price point! While there are many properties we could highlight, we just canāt pass up this fully restored classic stone house. šš½Itās divided into 2 units, each with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and its own terrace. This could be a perfect investment property (live in one unit, rent the other!). Be sure to check out the listing to see the beautiful garden, lovely vaulted ceilings, and fireplaces, all surrounded by rolling agricultural land.
Want to see all the details? Donāt forget to subscribe to Vendita for 30 property picks sent to you every Sunday. To subscribe via email, click here or join our Telegram channel. Itās completely free!
Ask Samantha Anything (ASA)
Send your questions to tiernan@smartmoveitaly.com.
Dear Sam: Is there an update on the short-term rental ban in Florence? Iāve heard that, perhaps, the ban is not going to be approved. Whatās the truth?!
Dear Carlos: Florence is struggling with over tourism which has a direct impact on the availability and affordability of housing for local residents. It has been a problem for a while, and speaking with our rental team, it is getting harder to find long-term rentals in Florence because many units are used for Airbnb. The city recently tried to pass a law banning new short-term rentals, which caused a lot of controversy and raised some compelling arguments on both sides. However, the law was not passed and therefore there are still no restrictions. How long the city can last with the overwhelming demand of tourists, is a serious question and concern, so I suspect there will be further attempts in the future.
A Cinematic Love Letter to the Amalfi Coast š„
Italy and art have been inextricably linked for as long as anyone can remember (and beyond). Of course, you probably think of great traditional artists like Michaelangelo, DaVinci, and Botecelli but cinematic art also shows an affinity for il Bel Paese. Her streets, seasides, and country landscapes have been at the center of countless movies, shows, and documentaries, each capturing a unique facet of Italyās many faces.
Take, for example, the recently released Netflix limited series, āRipley.ā Based on Patricia Highsmithās 1955 novel āThe Talented Mr. Ripley.ā This new adaptation is technically classified as a neo-noir psychological thriller but some would say itās also a love letter to the beautiful seaside town of Atrani along the Amalfi Coast.
Although a black-and-white series, āRipleyā manages to convey Atraniās colorful personality. What is most endearing is the portrayal of everyday life in the coastal town: frequent visits to the post office, morning espresso at a quaint cafe, quick dips in the Mediterranean Sea, the endless columns of stairs that must be tackled on a daily basis, the curious stares of locals when a newcomer arrives.
Even if the plot doesnāt interest you (which, it should if you like psychological thrillers), the series is worth checking out for the cinematography alone. The camera often lingers on the details of Atrani's architectureā the weathered facades, the ornate balconies adorned with flowers, and the intricate patterns of cobblestone streets ā each telling their own stories.
The episodes take you to several other Italian cities (including Rome, Palermo, and Venice), but the magic and mystery of Atrani are woven through the plot, drawing a sort of parallel to the main characterās plight. Most of the dialogue is in English but there is plenty of Italian spoken as well so itās also a great series to watch to practice your listening and comprehension skills.
For those of us who have a healthy obsession with Italy, itās always fun to find a mainstream movie, show, or series that gives us just a bit more insight into the landscape and culture, and āRipleyā does just that.
Timeās Tickinā & Our Bootcampās Almost Here! ā°
One of the reasons we give ourselves permission to slow down a bit in August is so that we can gear up for our biggest event of the year, our How to Move to Italy and Live Your Best Life Bootcamp. We are truly excited to share some possibly life-changing information with you this year so we hope youāve grabbed a spot.
Weāve started counting down the days and canāt wait to see you there! Donāt forget to share the link with friends and family members who share your love for Italy.
Thatās a wrap on this weekās Per Te. As always, thanks for being here and for being a part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!