When your ❤️ is on your sleeve...
This week...Italy: the land of emotion, a floating city in focus, a language legacy, and more!
In Italy, Emotion > Rules 😃 😤 😢 🫤 😆 😡 🤯
If you ask people around the world to describe Italians, you’ll probably hear all sorts of descriptions that involve a passion for soccer, a love of food, animated dialogues, and questionable driving habits. While there is truth to these descriptions, Italians are far more nuanced in their approach to life and they definitely have a certain way of doing things.
These "Italianism" are unique aspects of Italy that you will discover while living here. Recently, therapist Camilla Jackson shared her observations after living in Italy for the past 16 years with our private community. The list of Italianisms is long, but perhaps the biggest takeaway is the need to understand that, for Italians, emotions supersede rules.
As an example, if you think you've been wronged because someone didn’t follow the rules, it will not help to point this out or to try to hold someone accountable. Italians are OK with excuses, time delays, drama, and emotion, but they are typically not receptive to arguments about regulations. Yes, this is ironic given the amount of bureaucracy in the country, but pointing that out also won't help you. 😊 If you feel the need to express frustration over a situation, remember that Italy is relational, not transactional. Tap into your emotions if you want to be heard.
It may seem like a small detail but knowing this quirk of Italian culture will make your transition much easier.
Podcast Corner - Venice! Insights from a local 🛶
If you’ve ever been to Venice, you know this city is in a league of its own. There’s really nothing like it in the world. When you visit as a tourist you’ll surely be introduced to all of the most popular destinations like St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, the Fenice Theater, and the Grand Canal (just to name a few). These landmarks are known around the globe, but Venice is a much more nuanced and multi-faceted city for those lucky enough to call it home.
In a recent podcast episode, Sam welcomed a very special guest — a lifelong Venetian with a unique and insightful perspective on her beloved floating city.
Monica Cesarato is an expert tour guide as well as a food and travel blogger with a passion for sharing her love of Venice and the surrounding areas. She’s seen many people fall in love with her hometown, but knows not everyone has the fortitude to live there.
Monica explains that, in Venice, love is a two-way street. To relocate here, you need to be determined, dedicated, and knowledgeable about the quirks of living in a town just 3 meters above sea level. But, for those who stick it out, the city rewards them with endless opportunities to explore Venitian culture, cuisine, hospitality, and a lifestyle unmatched anywhere in the world.
If you are curious about the ins and outs of this truly special location or are wondering if your new life in Italy could include commuting via canal, you don’t want to miss this episode! 👇
The New Tourist Tax in Venice 🤔
Speaking of visiting Venice…you may now have to pay a bit more to do so. Just last week, the city introduced a €5 per day access fee for tourists over the age of 14 traveling to the historic center, a controversial move designed to encourage a healthier balance between tourists and locals.
The official website suggests that the access fee is designed to protect the wonderful and delicate nature of Venice’s fragile ecosystem, architecture, and local economy, all of which have been stressed under the weight of overwhelming crowds. Venice has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 but the organization hinted at retracting this honor last year due to mass tourism and rising water levels.
To ease the burden, visitors will have to reserve entry and show a QR code upon request proving they paid the fee at the risk of significant fines (€50 to €300). Venice mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, acknowledges that this effort is an experiment, but that, above all, the city deserves to be protected.
The fee will only be imposed on certain days throughout the year (mostly weekends and holidays) and there are also many exceptions. Those who are visiting residents, who reside in the municipality of Venice (outside of the historic center), or were born in Venice do not have to pay the fee.
The whole world would like to visit Venice, and that is an honor for us, but everyone in the world is not able to do so on the exact same day. That’s why it’s important to book a visit to the city, and why we introduced this new system….Venice belongs to those who love it and respect it.
- Simone Venturini, Tourism Councilor of Venice
If you would like more information and to find out on which days the tax will be imposed, you can visit the official site. 👇
Location Spotlight - Posta Fibreno, Lazio
If you’re looking for breathtaking natural beauty that deserves to be celebrated and explored, consider a trip (or a move) to Posta Fibreno. Located about an hour and a half from Rome (and the same distance from Naples) in the province of Frosinone (Lazio), Posta Fibreno may not be on your radar, but it should be, especially if you’re seeking a peaceful reprieve from a busy world.
This quaint town is not the typical tourist destination but it’s definitely worthy of attention. The community centers around the Posta Fibreno Lake Nature Reserve, which is home to a local species of fish, the Fibreno trout, as well as a large variety of birds and other wildlife. Stroll or bike around the lake via wooden walkways linking the banks or rent a paddle boat for the day. Fresh air, turquoise water, and nature in bloom. What more could you want? Oh, how about exceptional restaurants, welcoming bars and cafes, and charming B&Bs? Posta Fibreno has those too.
The residents of this little town know they have a good thing and they have a very active tourist board to prove it. Check out this video for a better idea of all that Posta Fibreno has to offer. 🎥
This👇 stunning 3 bed/3 bath house on the banks of Lake Posta Fibreno definitely stole the show in this week’s Vendita. It’s listed for just €145,000! Want to see the details? Don’t 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. It’s completely free!
Healthcare Basics in Italiano 🤒 🏥
Ho bisogno di fissare un appuntamento. I need to make an appointment.
Ha disponibilità questo (giovadì) alle (dieci)? Do you have availability this (Thursday) at (10)?
Devo cambiare il mio appuntamento. I have to change my appointment.
Devo cancellare il mio appuntamento. I have to cancel my appointment.
Ho mal di testa. I have a headache.
Ho il raffreddore. I have a cold.
Ho la tosse. I have a cough.
Ho mal di stomaco. I have a stomach ache.
If you’d like to explore an amazing resource to learn Italian, visit Italian Matters👇. Smart Move Italy community expert, Margherita Berti, has a true passion for languages and linguistics. She’s a patient and encouraging teacher dedicated to helping her students speak with confidence. You can do it! Si può fare!
A Language Legacy
It is a widely known fact that learning the language is one of the biggest obstacles for those wanting to start a new life in Italy. The struggle is real, especially for those of us who have no foundation in Italian, are not gifted with languages, or have trouble finding an effective teaching method.
The irony is that many of us have (or had) Italian-speaking family members — parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles who emigrated from Italy to our home countries. Most of them didn’t take much when they did so — perhaps a few family heirlooms, some crucial personal belongings, and, the one thing they couldn’t leave behind — their mother tongue.
The story of what happened to that mother tongue once they arrived varies.
For some, Italian was spoken exclusively at home, providing a comforting link to the homeland. For others, the language was avoided (sometimes forbidden) in order to become a “good [fill in the blank…American, Canadian, Brit, etc…].” For those in the latter category, your exposure to the language may have been limited to whispered conversations between relatives or heated arguments that could only be fully appreciated in Italian. You probably didn’t ask to be taught and didn’t have the foresight to consider that you might value this skill one day.
Fast forward to today. You’re planning a new life in Italy but you need to overcome the language obstacle. If only your sweet nonna would have taught you, right? Many of us have spoken those words with a combination of curiosity and regret. The thing is, we can’t control the past and we can’t judge the reasoning behind our relatives’ decision to keep their Italian to themselves. Sure, the path to Italy would be a bit easier with this ability, but it’s not an insurmountable challenge.
We’d love to hear about your exposure to the Italian language. Do/did you have family members who speak/spoke it but never taught you? Or perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones who received the gift of Italian at a young age. Let’s talk about it! Share your experience in our Facebook community. 👇
Where should I live in Italy? 🤔
This is one of the questions we hear over and over again. Deciding to pursue a life in Italy is one thing but narrowing down a location is another. There just are so many amazing places to choose from in Italy so we completely understand the dilemma. We’d love to give specific recommendations but, here’s the thing: This is a very personal decision that depends on many factors including budget, lifestyle, climate preferences, transportation, local culture, available services, etc… etc… The list goes on and on.
While Italy is, geographically, a small country, the regions are very unique. What is perfect for you may repel someone else, so you see why it’s difficult to make blanket statements about the best place to live. Not to worry though. With years and years of experience under our belts, we are definitely able to help hone in on a location on a case-by-case basis.
The best way to tap into our knowledge is to first write out your must-haves check-list and then schedule a 30-minute consultation with our Chief Dream Maker, Samantha Wilson. Once you have a better idea of the areas of Italy that meet your needs, you’ll be one step closer to your new life in Italy! Ready to get started? Schedule your call today. 👇
An unforgettable Italian holiday awaits!
Does your perfect Italian getaway include a unique culinary experience where you actively participate in Italian culture through seasonal activities paired with local artisans, farmers, and wine makers while staying in a 500-year-old farmhouse agriturismo? Are you willing to muddy your feet off the beaten path where you will see Italy at its roots? If so, La Tavola Marche has the perfect option for your next visit to the Bel Paese…and a few spots are still available for their summer and fall seasons.
Don’t wait to grab your spot in one of the following amazing holidays:
Summer offer: A 3-night welcome dinner, market tour & pizza class
Fall offer: The ultimate truffle hunting holiday
These are truly special curated experiences that you won’t want to miss. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!
Ask Samantha Anything (ASA)
Email us at sophia@smartmoveitaly.com to submit your questions
Dear Sam: I’ve been to Italy a few times and really love it…so much so that I’m considering retiring there in a few years. I’ll be returning next fall to take a more serious look at a few locations and I’m wondering what advice you can give me for planning an itinerary. I’ve done all of the touristy things and have spent time in the “big 5” cities (Rome, Venice, Naples, Florence, Milan). They are all beautiful but I’d like to eventually live someplace a little less crowded. I know I’ll be going back a few times before I narrow it down but any tips you can share are appreciated.
Dear Michelle: Ciao! Congratulations on your decision to move to Italy. Now comes the fun part, finding a place to call home! Italy is a big country, but often foreigners think of it as a single place. We get questions like, where is the best place to eat in Tuscany, or where should I live in Lombardy? There are many amazing (and not so amazing) places to choose from so it’s important to first understand that Italy is big and diverse.
Also, because Italy is big, it’s important to narrow your travel plans to a single area. Resist trying to see it all on one trip. The only thing that you will accomplish is to be very tired and more confused. This is because when you try to see too many places with the intention of evaluating for a future life, you will never really see one place properly.
So my best advice is to slow down and focus on one region only. Pick the cities that you like the most in that region, and the day trip and explore towns surrounding them.
This way, you can spend quality time getting to know the place, its people, routines, and lifestyle. If it takes a few trips to find your perfect place, that’s ok too.
Send your questions via voicemail and Samantha will answer them on her podcast!
We ❤️ Our SMI Community…and We’re Hiring!
The I-Want-To-Move-To-Italy scene is HOT🔥(and for good reason), which means WE’RE GROWING! If you love Italy as much as we do and are into helping dreams come true, you may be a perfect fit for our team. Check out some of our current job openings and apply by clicking the link 👇 .
As always, thanks for being part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!