I will physically fight anyone who tries to make me leave this country and go back to the miserable hellscape that is Angloland. I know plenty of Italians who don't understand how good they have it, who tell me how they want to go live in Canada. The look on their faces - complete shock - when I tell them what it's like always tells me they have no idea.
Regarding pastries, look out for the Tre Marie brand (at Christmas they make the best panettoni, in a series of flavours) and 100% agree on the healthcare! It is second to none, even in Sardinia (having lived many years in Sydney).
I loved the idea of “calibration.” Distance on its own doesn’t necessarily make Italy look better. It’s when you start noticing the background noise you once took for granted and realise that what’s missing isn’t just a habit or a convenience, but a whole piece of social infrastructure.
So glad to hear that chatting is a thing in Italy. When I visited for the first time a couple years ago, my spoken Italian was really minimal, which was a drag, since I actually love talking at length with random people. It's a highlight of travel for me! Hopefully I can visit again soon and chat more.
All true. Why did you leave Italy?? You seem to recognize all the best aspects of being there and you share so much relevant information for those of us considering taking the plunge and moving to Italy ourselves!
I think you nailed it! The only thing missing are the local market days. It’s a perfect time to do your shopping and socialize. They are my favorite.
You nailed it on the fresh fruits and vegetables. I have friends that Hate tomatoes but can’t get enough of them in Italy. Someone asked me why and I said…in the US food is gown and prepared to have a 3 week shelf life, while in Italy the local seller will ask when you plan to eat it and give you the perfect ripeness. DO NOT expect it to last more than a week!!!
Very solid list.
I love everything you mentioned about Italy especially the ability to walk everywhere
I will physically fight anyone who tries to make me leave this country and go back to the miserable hellscape that is Angloland. I know plenty of Italians who don't understand how good they have it, who tell me how they want to go live in Canada. The look on their faces - complete shock - when I tell them what it's like always tells me they have no idea.
Might that bar be inside Positano's Covo dei Saraceni ?
16. The bidet. The worshipping of the bidet. The sign of a superior culture.
Regarding pastries, look out for the Tre Marie brand (at Christmas they make the best panettoni, in a series of flavours) and 100% agree on the healthcare! It is second to none, even in Sardinia (having lived many years in Sydney).
The passegiata is a most wonderful social thing!
Interesting!
I loved the idea of “calibration.” Distance on its own doesn’t necessarily make Italy look better. It’s when you start noticing the background noise you once took for granted and realise that what’s missing isn’t just a habit or a convenience, but a whole piece of social infrastructure.
So glad to hear that chatting is a thing in Italy. When I visited for the first time a couple years ago, my spoken Italian was really minimal, which was a drag, since I actually love talking at length with random people. It's a highlight of travel for me! Hopefully I can visit again soon and chat more.
All true. Why did you leave Italy?? You seem to recognize all the best aspects of being there and you share so much relevant information for those of us considering taking the plunge and moving to Italy ourselves!
I think the counterpart article will incidentally cover the reasons. 😊
Looking forward to reading it.
Can’t wait for the counterpart article
All true!
Sadly it’s common for many/most of us that we only appreciate something when we don’t have it anymore.
I think you nailed it! The only thing missing are the local market days. It’s a perfect time to do your shopping and socialize. They are my favorite.
You nailed it on the fresh fruits and vegetables. I have friends that Hate tomatoes but can’t get enough of them in Italy. Someone asked me why and I said…in the US food is gown and prepared to have a 3 week shelf life, while in Italy the local seller will ask when you plan to eat it and give you the perfect ripeness. DO NOT expect it to last more than a week!!!
Great article! I agree with everything you said.