I'm an Italian-American🇮🇹🇺🇸 living in Rome and this channel is dedicated to anyone who might be visiting Italy, thinking of living in Italy or just has a passion for all things Italian. I provide and I will continue to provide useful content for those considering coming to this country to live and work. I also make culturally based videos which examine Italian life and comparisons between Italy and the USA.
📖 I will also provide stories and a unique perspective on Italy that you'll find very beneficial and much more! E anche voi amici italiani, state connessi per i video utili sui viaggi negli USA e i consigli per migliorare il vostro inglese !!
Uan cosa che ho sempre notato di voi americani, e che vi adatte molto, sapete farlo bene, stare al mondo, vedere il meglio di ogni situazione ! Ecco siete molto flexible ! E non isolazionisti ma aperti al mondo. Una qualita' che si acquista quando si lascia casa a 20 anni, sei solo e devi svegliarti e imparare a stare al mondo interagire con gli altri ! E bello vivere cosi Poi credo che tanti americani sono crtici verso l america, finche non vanno all estero e capiscono che voi siete spesso fortunati !tanti privilegi li date prr scontati.... Non vi manca nulla al vostro paese, a parte la storia e i monuementi 🙂
I think it's incredibly important for your children to know that they are both Italian and American. Try to maintain some American traditions so they can learn. Growing up in Australia to Italian parents, we did the sauce, the sausages and made our own wine. We grew up in a bilingual household and as much as my siblings and I disliked the extra work associated with these tasks, as an adult I am grateful to my parents and nonni for maintaining our culture.
I found your “practical vs aesthetic” comparison very interesting because for me it appears exact opposite from what I have observed-but it could be because of my frame of reference.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I moved to the Veneto. Every single house that I have been in personally or have seen in adverts seems to have prioritized the practical and not the aesthetic. I am not saying one is better than another they are just different, especially when it comes to layout, design and decoration.
I do too! if I were 25 again and no family I'd make a ton more but my life doesn't grant me a ton of free time, time that is conducive to making a lot of videos. I'll get there eventually.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly in the UK and Ireland they sell Dolmio tomato sauce for pasta. That's equally appalling. No Italian I know has ever bought this. I can relate to your wife as fellow Italian
She tried to make cannoli using Galbani ricotta that we found in Connecticut and it had a very grainy taste to it. I bought Rana ravioli in CT last year. It tasted like rubber. Nah in the US stick with meat and the big classic American breakfast (not that it’s exactly healthy !)
Hi David, thank you for this valuable info! I will be travelling with my adult daughter. We need to rent a car from Castiglione della Pescaia, Tuscany to Venice...with stops along the way. Suggestions?
Sounds awesome! What type of suggestions did you have in mind ? I’d check for the speed cameras. Study the roads on google maps if you’re going anywhere super specific. Watch out for ZTL zones.
Difference between European and American appearance is that Europeans take pride, are selective and stylish. They own fresh timeless pieces. Knowing how to dress well is in their blood and culture. On the other hand Americans have no taste and no pride. In Europe, Americans stand out and are frowned on. Let's just say when it comes to dressing, North, South and Central America have same taste 👎no bueno.
I can see we were coming from in this comment. There are always exceptions however I tend to agree, especially when I go back home to Connecticut most people prefer simple, plain basic clothing. Now though it’s also for cost reasons as the prices the United States have really skyrocketed.
US has 50 states, all same history, language, culture, food, etc. Europe has 44 states or nations all different history, language, culture, food, etc. That is what makes Europe special. And the coolest part is since countries are close by have ability to visit, move around and become cultured. For this reason Geography class in school is important and people are more accepting of each other. On the other hand US is not great teaching Geography and although we open our doors to the world, usually flights to Europe are expensive and people tend to stay within the continent. People are also very proud.
good and very important video that many of our fellow expats should watch! Thank you, David. As always - great contents, professional ways of presenting, interesting all round video.
Se la praticità non diventa sciatteria si può fare, ma il confine è molto sottile e noi italiani, ma più in generale noi europei, abbiamo difficoltà a farci piacere qualcosa di oggettivamente brutto da vedersi... credo che ci sia rimasto solo questo ormai: il gusto del bello.
Certo. Bisogna saper discernere e non accettare le cose troppo pacchiane. Ci deve essere un equilibrio tra il bello e cose pratiche che durano nel tempo.
All very good points. I'm Italian but came to the U.S when I was 12 and you could say I'm American. I try to come to Italy once a year to see family and it's tough even for me to adjust to the culture, like you said though you just have to cold turkey it. This time I'm here with my wife and kids for the summer to see if a permanent move to Italy is something we want. I love Italy but no country is perfect, some very strong pros and cons. Ciao!
@@giovanni4304 hi Giovanni. Thank you for sharing your story. Where in Italy are you from? I don’t know your life situation obviously but I think Italy has many good qualities but it depends on what you want from life and if Italy can better offer them than the United States.
As an Italian living abroad and who visited many countries, I think no one values beauty as us. Life is beaty and we celebrate it every moment in any detail
My GGF was Italian and through that connection I'd like to request IT citizenship. However, all papers were lost in WWI, WWII and Balkans wars. I don't even have his birth certificate. I'm pretty sure documents were lost in IT during time, as well. I don't know much about my GGF so I can't provide info. Should I keep on going that way, or simply quit and go for another visa type? Thanks! 😊
Hi David , thanks for your videos❤ ı really get the best info from them . I am going Venice to live 2 years and ı need to find accommodation 🙈 all piece of advice is really appreciated. Thanks a lot… regards from Turkey 🤍
Hi. 👋🏼 thank you! Do what I did. Get a cheap yet decent hotel and just look for apartments all day and keep at it for weeks if necessary. Trust your instincts about the place and owner , thus why you spread your net around a lot. If one does not pan out you got others. Don’t live on the ground or first floors (burglary prone ) Get a monolocale , living with others just plain sucks. Period. Get a place not on a main road or near a business or nightlife life. By business I mean a mechanic or a grocery store. All produce too much noise. Go through an agency if you can afford it.
David - does your course correspond to the Italian driving course that I will be taking to get my patente? I'm looking for a way to study for the exam. Thanks
@daviddoseofitaly: my GGF was Italian, but all the papers about it has gone in the world war first and second. We do not even have his birth certificate. Gone. He was trying to get it from the Italian embassy and they told him it is gone it's gone in wars, no papir trail. Is there anything that could be Done?
Great video Mr. Carmosino! I am Italian American and deeply appreciate your philosophical view on our history. We are so proud to be both Italian and American 🇮🇹 🇺🇲
Grazie Mille per tutta la informazione! Ho una domanda per te. Ho delle amiche in Italia che vogliono imparare inglese "online". Insegni ai gruppi piccoli online o solo in una scuola fisica? Grazie ancora!
If you're coming to Italy from America, one more thing you'll have to learn along with the language is the metric system, freedom units here are used only for screens 😜
Ciao Norma! Oh yes I forgot that too, I mean there were many things I could have mentioned. I still thinking in Fahrenheit instead of Centigrade to be honest and I still dont know exactly far 100 meters is in my mind. I've always hated numbers.
Great thoughts ~ had to laugh about the peanut butter. 😍 Rain walks ~ I think that's a bit unique. Beautiful idea, though. It's easier for me because of all the family in Sicily. Oh, you're spot on for these topics, wow, and I can relate to the practicality differences. Thanks for the food for thought. Laura seems so sweet. Would your family ever consider moving back to Connecticut?
Thank you 😊. Laura is a loveable sweet pain in the butt ! But we love her dearly. No a move to Connecticut is just simply impossible for many reasons. Even if I did move back it wouldn’t be there.
I didn't like your title but decided to watch the whole video before commenting. There were definitely things I agreed with and some that I could see people taking as a reason to not adapt to their new home. If you are choosing to move to a new country, rather than moving as a refugee, then there should be some expectation of adapting to the culture and language of your new country. You speak both Italian and English, not only English and I think that is important. Though it's not just about speaking the local language but also about an immigrant not segregating themselves away from the locals. I'll try and explain what I mean because it's not an American only issue. Back when I was younger I did what many New Zealander's do and went on my OE (overseas experience) which for many means living and working in London. What I didn't get then, and still don't get, is the number of New Zealander's who would end up flatting, working, drinking, going on guided tours of Europe (an excuse to get pissed in a different city each night), all with other New Zealanders and Australians. It was like they were trying to recreate their home life on the opposite side of the world. So in my opinion if you want to live long term in another country leave the McD's and other American brands to the tourists and learn to live like the locals and with the locals.
Hi Catherine. I agree, there needs to be some adaptation and even though this video may not show that, I think I've done my part in doing that. I have met expats that have not attempted to adapt, that's for sure and mostly they were 20 somethings who were here for a year and that was it. Your advice is sound and there needs to be a balance between blending into the host country and retaining your culture...aka you. Not easy, it's a delicate matter but that was the main point of this video. Thanks for watching!
I still don’t understand why they put the water heater up on the wall in a kitchen or bathroom..Why not in the basement or utility closet like in America..
Hi David, what a nice video! I really enjoyed your honesty and all your comments. I wonder about the identity all the time, especially in regards to speaking Italian. How can you express who you are in a foreign language when the spoken language is a bit different than what you learn in class etc? Anyway, I'm hoping to be in Rome at the end of August. I liked the footage of Monteverde vecchio, I might stay over there in a B&B. Thank you again for the great information.
Hi! thank for you watching and the kind words. Yea, for as well as you can learn the other language you can never fully 100% express yourself to your liking. In my case fortunately English is a global language and it's always available at my fingertips (as I type now!). So fortunately I still have ways to continue to express myself while living here.
Well what can I say ...i lived in Tasmania for seven years and i used to think about Italy 🇮🇹as the most beautiful country then I mooved back here and now I think that Australia 🇦🇺 is the most beautiful place on earth and I wished I never came back....the moral of the story is that once you see two different cultures your never happy of what you have
Most Americans I've met so far told me that Italians are generally very conformist and lack the typical "just do it" mentality that is so common in the US. We don't seem to be risk takers and we're sort of narrow-minded in many aspects of life. Do you agree?
I tend to agree. Many people here have the mentality of “be grateful for what you have “ which is fine but with no risks , no great rewards. Italians strongly dislike making mistakes.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly So true. I had cousins from Italy come to visit us here in Australia. I was stumbling along with my dreadful Italian and only found out, once they had arrived back home in Italy, that they spoke English! They never once attempted to speak it around us for fear they made a mistake! My Italian husband doesn't like me correcting his English, however I wish he would correct my Italian as I want to improve!!
Mostri un atteggiamento saggio e condivisibile. Il rispetto per l’altro e per usi e costumi della Nazione in cui vieni ospitato secondo me è segno di civiltà e di buon senso, se si vuole vivere rapporti sereni. Oltremodo questo non vuol dire rinunciare alle proprie radici anche perché sono profondamente dentro di te e fanno parte della tua propria storia personale, fanno di te quel che sei. E in ogni caso così come per un italiano adulto che è cresciuto in Italia è impossibile “essere” americano, così per un cittadino adulto di un’altra nazionalità è impossibile “essere” italiano😅
Fai pensare a un signore italo-americano che conoscevo in America; andavo da lui nella sua pasticceria per comprare pane...e altro che mi stuzzicava! Sebbene fosse vissuto la maggior parte della sua vita in America per me era ancora italiano. Si è proprio cosi, come essere umani associamo sempre (quasi sempre) la nazione in cui siamo nati all'identità a una persona. Corretto o sbagliato noi siamo cosi. Questo signore se ne andato dall'Italia all'età di 11 anni e diceva che non voleva mai tornare in Patria. Sai, perche? Sapeva già, lo avvertiva che se fosse tornato non avrebbe mai voluto voglia di tornare in America. Quindi per evitare il dolore di dover partire di nuovo (in realtà era stato costretto a partire con i suoi genitori) ha scelto di rimanere in America con la sua famiglia e nipotini. Comunque grazie per il tuo feedback!
Wow, I really enjoy your videos and this was one of the best. Thank you! My wife and I both have Italian grandparents and even though we are unlikely to ever move there. We really appreciate you sharing your experience and perspective.
Nice ! Thank you 😊. I actually had my core viewers in mind while making this because I know it’s a topic that resonates with many of you. I allowed myself to be somewhat the central focus but mainly as an example.
Thanks for another interesting video! I got my passport on Monday at the consulate in Los Angeles. If and when my wife and I do move to Italy the next paperwork things on the agenda for me are the Codice Fiscale and an Italian driver's license. Have you made videos on these topics or if not could you make videos on these topics? I would really appreciate it. You are the best videos on RU-vid from the perspective of someone from the USA living in Italy. Therefore, please keep the videos coming.
Congratulations 🍾!! And many thanks ! Such kind words 😎 The codice fiscale I got that immediately after I got my Italian citizenship. I thought it was automatic. It’s been 16 years so I don’t remember 100% but I don’t remember doing anything extensive and extra. I don’t have any videos on the Italian drivers license, but that is definitely something I should do Thank you for the suggestion
How long did it take to get your consulate appointment? I have been waiting/trying here in Chicago for over a year! Congrats! I watch David's videos to see what living in Italy as an American is like. Great channel!
@@KiaY619 Getting the appointment at the consulate in Los Angeles was only about a 2 month wait. What took an even greater amount of time was registering with AIRE. That took about 6 months. After you register with AIRE you have to wait for a confirmation email that it complete. That is what took about 6 months to get. If you are not aware, Italian citizens living abroad have register with AIRE at the nearest consulate. Then after you get registered with AIRE at your nearest consulate you are able to consulate services at that consulate, like getting an Italian passport. Well, that is my understanding.
Hey David great video! Having spent periods of a few months in Italy years ago and now at about 2 years of living here permanently I related so much especially to around 13:30.... just like you I thought I was going to just have this perfect type of integration and "become" Italian, and I do love it here, but I've come to realize I am who I am, American, sure, of Italian descent but American through and through. And at the beginning of this year I really started coming back to see myself as American and wanting to hold on to that origin and all that comes along with it. Now when I visit the US I even kind of get the grass is greener feeling I had about Italy when I was in the US! I'll be wanting to stay here for at least the medium term future, also to travel around Europe and stuff but I think like you said the positives really start kicking in when you accept who you are and then integrate on that basis, not thinking you can just change who you are.
I remember when you moved here. Congrats on 2 years. I feel stuck really in 2 worlds and somewhere in the middle. At times it's a nice little bubble that's comfortable at times I am pulled in 2 different directions. I feel American not so much out of pride but just accepting it and realizing I am US on my own terms. Although, I still do feel a strong connection due to my Italian background. that'll never go away. Lord knows how my daughter is going to perceive both countries but I hope she feels more Italian.
You can take the person out of the country but you can't take the country out of the person. The nice thing is that you both have Italian flair now, haha.
Ciao Davide, always the best content of italian life. Complimenti! I have a question. Yes, you have italian ancestors, and you are now a citizen, but do people consider you italian or american? Maybe both? In bocca al lupo!
Grazie Giovanni! Grazie :) I think most still regard me as American. However those who choose to get to know me realize I am typical despite some Americanisms you see in this video. Crepi il lupo!
Hey another American here, I'm workin my goal of moving to Italy myself and I'm glad you brought up the weather cuz I'm from Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri so our level of cold is definitely different. I'd like the opportunity to ask you more about day to day life if I can get the opportunity
Hey Andrew, and thank you for commenting as well as being the first one to comment on this video. If you’re from the south, then you’ll do fine here. 😎 You can ask me here , what would you like to know?
It's great that this video is still getting comments regularly. It is really helpful. My paternal GGF born in 1878 came to the US from Italy in 1910 and he did not become a citizen until 1930 according to the USCIS. My grandfather was born in the U.S. in 1913 so I think I might have a chance. The challenge is finding out where my GGF was born. We have a handwritten scrap of paper that has his name and Provincia di Salerna, Centola Italy, San Severino. I'm not sure where to start but I hope to get the ball rolling soon! BTW - I'm a fellow Nutmegger!
Hey Joe! Cool that you’re from Connecticut! Which part. I’m closer to MA. Tolland (the only exit for UConn) I’d say you have a good chance of becoming an Italian citizen Just make sure that you have all the correct information and a complete family tree. if there are any name discrepancies, you will need to have documentation which explains that. So San Severino and Centola are two different towns so you’ll need to figure out where he was from these two towns. You could always write to both and then see who responds Use chat gpt to write it in proper Italian.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hi David - We're down in Westbrook. And thank you for the advice! When writing the officials, what document should I request? Is it a birth or baptism record?
So I'm filipino, but I'm adopted and my father is of italian heritage. My Grandfather was born 1928 and his parents immigrated here from Italy through Ellis island. Would I still be eligible even though I don't have any italian by blood?
Few tips. 1)If you are non EU, then pay the fine, as it could be that there is problems when arriving again in customs-guy checking your passport...2) If in Firenze, rent thev car at airport, not in the city, as the rentals are in the "zona limitato" Soithere is automatic for at least 2 fines. Leaving, and returning ;-)
Helpful video, thank you. How do you know where the areas are that you get fined for driving into? We are going to drive to a small town and have heard there are huge fines if you accidentally drive into a restiricted area.
