Every Christmas day, in the fondo of Palazzo della Corgna, the terzieri of Castello presents inspirational scenes for the season (called a presepe). It is Castello’s gift of the season to the community. Castello is one of three terzieri’s (a…
Category: Experience
Expats are like dandelions
“They are a different breed,” my friend Claire informed me.“The friendships form fast, go deep, and can get pulled up just as fast.” Expats are like dandelions. We make a wish, and the winds take us to new ground. We…
Language skills
Once you have determined if you will be in the city or rural, and how close to usual tourism, you will know how much language training you will need. I highly recommend finding an immersion day for travelers before…
From away, Forestieri and Stranieri
Anyone who is not born in Maine is known as “from away.” No matter how many years you live in Maine, you will always be from away. From away is relative–some folks are more from away than others, but if…
Snowfall in la Pieve
Citta della Pieve, Umbria. We had three inches of snow in la Pieve Friday night into Saturday morning. The streets are very icy right now, and the temperature quite low. The BBC online has the headline “FREEZING WEATHER BRINGS MISERY…
Choosing your housing
Be clear about your purpose in going to Italy. Write out a mission statement, because as you drill down into details — this will come in handy often through the process. You’ll find yourself checking back on your intention, as…
Some “getting ready” advice
If you can pack up your house (or sublet it, or swap houses with an Italian family), the finances of the dream become suddenly much more within reach. Since mortgage, or rent, is not due in the US, then you…