i'm an Italian and i'm very proud of your choise to live in my country.Once we'll manage to speak a decent Italian you'll find that this country has so much to give.Also i think it makes Italy a better place to have people like you settling there.And soon you'll find out that Italy is a caring and a lovely place to stay.
Thank you! In Abruzzo they say the people are "forte e gentile" and that is SO true! Everyone has been extremely kind to us. We hope we're being respectful guests while we live here!
I bought my apartment in Tuscany in May 2023 and certainly have not had any problems HOWEVER I deliberately bought an apartment that did not need any “renovating” but did need to be completely decorated. Yes I have had to have the wiring checked, changed leaking taps the pellet heater needs replacing and the list goes on ++. I furnished my apartment from a local Antique Market - amazing antique’s and the total cost was less than €2000 and that included all furniture, chandeliers, and oil paintings . I bought clothes in Italy so I don’t have to take clothes back and forth. I use Google Translate and am learning Italian using Babbel. My village is simply amazing, love love love my Italian friends especially my neighbours- very kind people and I love their lifestyle. Sorry you are having a tough journey. I’m Australian 🇦🇺 but I love Italy 🇮🇹
That sounds amazing! Honestly, we've not had a super tough time, it's just frustrating to not have a finished house. We were naive about a few things. That said, the people have been absolutely lovely and so helpful to us. We can pretty much as anyone in our village for help.
I'm 52 years old and slowly preparing for my retirement in Italy. I was finally able to get an appointment to obtain Italian nationality later this year (November). I'm also practicing my Italian every day and making progress. At this stage, I can communicate and get my message across. It's not perfect, but I'm getting there little by little. I've been going to Italy for about 3-4 weeks a year for the past 7 years now. In my opinion, the best way to learn a language is at home (Internet). Unless you're an extremely sociable person, how much conversation can you really have at the restaurant, grocery store and post office? Even here in Canada, I can shop all day and not talk to anyone. I'm glad to see that you don't regret your decision! Things will get better and better as they fall into place. I still don't know what region to choose, perhaps Le Marche just above you guys!
You're getting well prepared! Our decision to move was fairly quick so I studied for 1 year before moving here. I agree that the small, simple things don't really advance the language. We did edx courses, available in the US, which are university level courses. This has really helped us with conversations with neighbors and friends. Our understanding is pretty decent, but talking is still rough. We've got bad American self consciousness!
@@ericgray6625 No worries, I’m sure folks appreciate every efforts. I see it as a really long term goal. Beyond the language I’m trying to intake as much culture as possible …. Italian cinema, tv series, music, etc. A new language opens up a complete new universe.
Awwww.... I'm soooo happy for you! I, too, had a rough start when I relocated to Verona from the States for work. It's like childbirth... you'll soon forget and savor the good life. I am now looking to purchase in Abruzzo! Once you learn the language, it'll be much, much easier! Blessings from Texas!!!
No idea how I found this video but now I am more than touched ! I am now 60 years old and was born in Castel Di Sangro (province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo). My beloved parents emigrated to Germany when I was only 4 years old and my older brother still lives there. I live and work in Germany and will retire in three years . Then I will return to my roots and hope that you will run into me and invite you for dinner ! Glad you feel at home , you are more than welcome ! Italy is a more beautiful place with people like you !!! Salute !!!
Enjoyed your update, happy that you all seem to be happy in your move. Love all your videos, & look forward to seeing more. Have a blessed week, & a Church family is so important, wishing you both a blessed journey forward.
Thank you so much for all your videos ❤ Your home is so beautiful, full of character and grace. I hear you, and I understand how difficult it feels to do such a drastical move. Different country, different continent, new language, new culture, new home. And Italy of all places, certainly not the easiest one, albeit certainly one of the most beautiful. You're doing great though. I truly admire your life path, and wish I could follow your example (other practical issue blocking my efforts right now). It will get better soon, and you will be able to enjoy your new life effortlessly :))) I just want to chime in on the language problem, and suggest a couple of hacks that could help you immensely. 1) Buy Agatha Christie's books IN ITALIAN and read them without any dictionary (at least the first time). Just guess the meanings of any words you don't know from the context of the story. It will be hard at first, but you'll force your brain to activate the right side and start learning the language as kids do, intuitively, by association, and not analytically. Agatha Christie uses a very simple and linear style, a simple but not limited vocabulary that make her books the best and the easiest for this task; bonus point if you like crime stories. If not you should search for a similar prose in your preferred genre. I learned several languages this way, and wasn't even living in the country. 2) watch dvds or streamed movies, or tv series, regularly, 3 hours per day minimum, this way: first in Italian without any subtitle, just understand what you can, and be patient; second time around watch the same movie (or episode) in Italian with Italian subtitles. Again don't use any vocabulary, and just be patient and try to get what you can from context. Next watch the same movie or episode in Italian with English subtitle, so that you can finally catch the whole meaning. Last watch it again in Italian either without subtitles or with Italian subtitles. Don't use vocabulary, do it every day with a new episode or new film, and in few months you'll be surprised how your brain will start popping out Italian words and expressions you never even knew you heard, and while you might miss their exact English translation you "will know" what their meanings are and you will be surprised to find that you are able to use them properly and in context. 3)Read read read. Short Italian stories, articles, and whatnot, the more the better, don't use any vocabulary, and be patient. Let your brain work silently, and one day, not far away, you'll start thinking in Italian, even if just short thoughts. 4) Above are all strategies belonging to a particular method of teaching languages to adults, have no time now to search links and bibliographies, but will do as soon as I have time. This though is my personal opinion (so take it for what it is): don't do too much "Language schooling", it keeps you on the analytical track, which is important for the basics, but then if you don't jump on the intuitive track first, you'll have a steep ascent to climb. Instead if you start on the intuitive track, and then resume the analytical one, you will find yourselves on an easier and much more pleasant path. Thank you again, and all the best to you 🍀🐞
Thank you SO much! This is so helpful. We know the basics and understand a lot of what is said, with context, but speaking beyond the basics is tough. We streamed one Italian series we really liked but should watch again. The only word I really learned from it is one I can't say in polite society! 😏
Glad you finally have your things. We’re also happy to know you’ve found a community of faith where you can encourage and be encouraged. Love you both.
Willie and I just watched your video. Keep the updates coming! I can certainly relate to all your experiences. Hopefully this next year will bring the completion of the construction and furnishing of your new home! Ciao!
Congratulations on your journey. I think after a full year abroad and going through the fours seasons, you'll have a better understanding of what lies ahead. Many more layers of the community are discovers with time. Americans especially have a difficult time moving to any European country. I've seen many never fully unpack their belongs and bail out within 6 after months. So much for the fairytale they expected to live. Definitely more difficult the older you are. I moved from the USA to Eastern Europe in 1992 and it was quit the challenge, but the personal growth and transformation was worth staying for a longer length of time. You may not like my next comment, but millions of Italian immigrants made it to the USA by sea in the last two centuries and did well. Despite not knowing the culture or language and having little to no money. The two of you are following your heart and dreams while having the time of your life. Which I think is absolutely wonderful. It's your unique and personal journey. Welcome the hardships, many wonderful things will present themself. Enjoy and I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you for the kind words! We've had our challenges, but we're still glad we did it. We haven't been back to the US in almost 2 years, so we'll see how we handle it when we go back for a visit later this year!
Been watching you from Wisconsin since you started your channel. Very much enjoy the updates and watching the slow progress that you're going thru to get everything in order. You've had quite the vision and it's turning out so beautiful! I must say I do wonder about all the steps! We live in a 3 story farm house and when the old back and knees give out the steps are a challenge! lol Oh the joys of retirement but the rewards out weigh! God Bless you both; so glad you found a church family there.
Thank you Linda! Our house actually has fewer stairs than most. Once we're on the main level, we have our bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Some houses we looked at were 2 rooms per floor, and 4 floors high! Blessings to you!
I loved this! We are wanting to buy a home in Italy and retire there. So, I'm researching what others have to say. It was so nice to watch your video.. and to hear you don't regret moving. Thank you for sharing!
I immigrated to Sweden as a newlywed 40+ years ago and have integrated and taken Swedish citizenship. I have to say you two are brave to take on a new culture, language, house renovation, and everything in a remote area of Italy!! I mean I had a Swedish husband and a fair amount of guidance from his family. Still, it wasn't easy. You seem so nice. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! We were probably naive but a few years back our daughter moved to Lithuania, so I think that gave us courage. That said, it has been much harder than we expected! BTW, our little town has tons of Swedes with vacation homes!
It’s incredibly sad that more Americans don’t spread their wings and explore the world. That said I also think it’s incredibly brave at your age to do exactly that. I wish you both the very best from the UK and in particular England 🏴😊👍
Thank you! The US is so huge that many Americans don't feel the need to ever leave. We have always been a little more adventurous in travel. Some days we do miss home but most of the time we enjoy the tranquility that is not easy to find in the US.
@@ericgray6625 you couldn’t really have picked a nicer country. My wife and I have been to Italy many times. Going off the beaten track is always best IMO. 👍🏴
God bless you. Grannie Cyndy from South Australia here. Love the idea of your retirement in Italy. I love France too but Italians are lovely family oriented people aren't they. I will never leave the sunny shores of Australia but I love to connect with the ancient places through books, dvd's and RU-vid. New subscriber.
First time viewing, but WHERE in Italy are you? Certainly one cannot "generalize". Italy is so different from even one provence to the next. I have lived in Italy (Trentino Alto-Adige), which I know is quite different to let's say southern Italy. It helps to be aware of many things and one cannot just say Italy is "like this".
Congratulations on making your first year. We are not far behind you. We moved in Oct last year. We certainly agree with everything you guys are feeling, good and bad. LOL. We have gone through a lot of the same things. Thanks for posting. We were actually going to do a video on our one year anniversary. If you even need help with anything, my husband speaks Italian and he has some family here. We would be happy to help. I do need to take my diver's test soon. I think you are allowed up to a year before you have to switch over. I would love to ask you some questions on that. Here's to the next year and all that Italy has to offer. 🥂
Thank you! I would be glad to answer questions. The theory was stressful, but so was the practical. I'm thankful I did the practical in a small town. Cheers to 1 year, and some day we'll meet and share experiences over coffee!
The rule of thumb I followed for language acquisition is Italian when outdoors, English indoors, it’s amazing how quickly you will progress using that rule.
Thank you for this video, you touched on some good points, which will help other people intending to move to Italy. Once you're better with the language, immerse yourself in the culture and accept piano, piano, tranquilo, it will be smooth sailing. Good luck with everything.
Ive been manifesting moving to Abruzzo and purchasing a home to sympathetically restore for a few months now and came across your channel yesterday. I love seeing the process of stripping the plaster and sand blasting...what a beautiful difference! So happy for you both. I love your videos and look forward to you sharing more. ❤️ Curious....how in the world did you transport your feathered friend?!? Jodi from Washington State
Thank you Jodi! It's been quite the adventure, not always easy but well worth it! We could do an entire video on that process. Moving a cat or a dog is difficult, but a bird is even harder because you have to have an FDA vet verify the health and there are very few avian vets that are FDA certified. Let me know if you'd like more details!
We just found your channel and love it. Could you share a breakdown of the cost of living in Abruzzo? How much is a trip to the market/grocery? Electricity, gas, internet, stuff like that. We plan to move to Italy when we retire in about 4 years. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Hello and thank you!! This is great. I also have the desire to move to Italy in retirement. I am currently 57 and hope to at least spend part time there in the next 8 years. My biggest concern is not having friends and being far from my children. Thoughts?
@johnhayes1916 hi! As for kids, it's tough. One of ours lives in the US, the other in Europe. They're probably never going to live near each other so it gave us some freedom. We're more likely to have grandchildren here in Europe, so that helped. If both lived in the same town, we might not have moved. As for friends, you definitely have to find a way into your community. The Italians are very open and welcoming, but getting involved and learning the language are key. Also, there are plenty of others with vacation homes, etc. that you'll meet. Good luck with your decision!
I don't buy the language immersion either. Church is a great way to engage in Italy and to help pressure you to speak Italian. To progress you have to follow a language course and do the daily work of an hour or two minimum - do this online as well as the school. After 3 years in Italy for us we're just finally starting doing that and it is making a lot of difference. Paperwork is tough for the locals too! Remember to get out and enjoy regularly what there is on offer that makes a difference.
Thank you! Some days it feels like we're doing great with the language and then we get in a situation where I sound like a babbling fool. I do believe, though, the process keeps the brain active. I was able to pass the driving test so surely I can improve in the language department!!
It would probably be helpful to progress your Italian understanding and speech by taking an online course with an organisation such as Babel. Ask around if there are any courses at library as well where you could meet people and speak Italian. I hope this helps
I’ve visited few times , like the “nord “ … definitely coming from English Italian is a lot of work to learn, I am and I know Spanish and although people say it’s an andvantage it is a lot work Italian properly spoke amongst adult Italian is a very extensive and beautiful language
I was wondering if you would share how much you had to move to Italy from the states and what was the approximate cost to move your belongings? Also how was it moved and what are some of the troubles you may have experienced in the process. Thanks in advance for sharing!
That's a long story! We had less than a full container and it ended up being way more than we expected. You cannot ship until you have all your documents, and that took way longer than we anticipated, so we had to pay 9 months of storage! Since we were moving permanently we brought all sentimental things, but not easily replaceable items.
Thanks for sharing. We are hoping to retire there this November and we think we know it will be hard and there will be challenges, but I'm sure we still don't realize how hard it may be until we are living it. But it's good to hear it is still worth it. I absolutely cannot wait to get there and pray we get our Visa. I do want to know how on earth you passed the driving test if your Italian is only at elementary school level!! It must be better than that. Do you have any tips on studying for it without being fluent. Grazie mille :)
Thank you! There is a great Facebook group that gave me hints on passing the test, but I seriously spent endless hours going through the test questions, so eventually, I started learning the tricks of the questions. I made flashcards for words that made me miss questions. It's definitely not easy, but lots of us manage to pass! Best of luck to you on the visa!
Hi guys, I am doing my due diligence on applying for an ERV. I think I meet the conditions. My concern is more with the time it takes to get a Permesso di Soggiorno. I am reading on the Ultimate Italy FB group that the wait for the first appointment at Questura is now 8 months. That means you could be nearly a year without having a PDS. Without a PDS you cannot join the SSN, register with a GP, register with the Commune, buy a car ... . Can you share your experience. Grazie.
Everything you said is pretty much correct. As part of our visa we had to prove 1 year of insurance so we bought private insurance the first year. International health insurance is not as expensive as regular American healthcare. We leased a car for our first 6 months. Our permesso appointment was originally 9 months after we arrived, but we found someone who could make a call for us and get our appointment moved forward. So we got all of our cards in 6 months. Let me know if you have more questions!
@@ericgray6625 Eric, thank you so much for your reply. I posted a reply yesterday. My comment contained a noun starting with C in reference to the global bug, and a noun starting with B in reference to the UK saying ciao. I guess the algorithm doesn't approve :(. I posted twice and both times my replies disappeared into cyberspace. The C noun and the B noun delayed my planned move. Hardly controversial. Anyway, I'm having a rethink. I have RA and see a rheumatologist 2 or 3 times a year. Luckily, it is not too bothersome. However, without a PDS or an ID card, I wonder if I'll be able to fix an appointment with a rheumatologist. The ERV is becoming harder to obtain and Damien O Farrell of Mobility Services has heard that new applicants might not be able to sign up for the SSN. I am entitled to an S1 form from the UK but quite a few ASLs are not registering these. Mamma mia ... lots to ponder. Buying a house/signing a lease before knowing if I'll get a visa is a big step. If I decide to go ahead, I'll be guided by Studio Legale Metta. I have restored houses in France and Spain and am in love with terracotta, beams and monumental fireplaces. The space in period houses like yours is truly wonderful 😎😎😎.
We're thinking of retiring there too now in a few years. To try to get a head start, I am currently doing the Italian courses with Babbel and Duolingo in the meantime but I have to hear it very slowly to understand. Would it have been possible to buy the house and have it ready before you moved over there?
Hi! Yes, it would have been possible if we had started earlier. That is probably the area we were most naive...we believed them when they said they could finish the house. We've since learned that things don't necessarily operate that way!
I've been seriously considering a retirement to Italy, though I fear great loneliness since I would be going without friends or family or knowing anyone. I have pretty severe panic attacks and wouldn't have a support system there for when one came on. Plus I'd have to pay to move my 24 rescue animals there, and I can't fathom what that would cost, probably around $20k.
Blessings to you. It would be very difficult to move very many animals...1 bird was pretty hard. You also have to build a network of friends which isn't that easy. Working with a charity, going to a church, volunteering, etc, help, but it's not easy leaving family behind.
Good for you for taking the leap - hubby and I are mid-50s and seriously considering Italy. What region are you in and what type of church do you attending? Blessings from Texas!
Hi! We live in Abruzzo. We lived in Texas for most of our lives. There are a limited number of protestant churches here, most of them independent. I would say our church here is most similar to a baptist church in the US.
I like your videos, thanks for making them! May I ask if you have kids back in the states? My wife and I are also considering retiring overseas, but feel discouraged when thinking about that we will be so far away from our kids.
Hi guodah, and thanks! We have a son in the US and a daughter elsewhere in Europe, so there was nowhere we could like and be close to them both. If they both lived near each other, we probably would have retired near them. But for now, we figured we could retire younger by doing it in Italy. Our parents have all passed, and if they hadn't that would be another tough call.
Can you please expound on getting your drivers license, I know the basics (when you need to get it, its in Italian etc) what I'm interested in is the nitty-gritty of how you were able to pass the written test.
Hi! I really studied my butt off! There are apps with all the questions and I did hundreds of practices. I made flashcards for the important words and words that caused me to miss a question. Then you just start getting the hang of the questions and wording. wording. I missed one question and it was because I couldn't remember the Italian word for disappear!
@danstoye3902 I had one from my driving school and also Quiz Patente Guida e Vai which is very popular and good. A lot of people watch RU-vid channels, but I only used those when I had specific questions.
Hi, we are not Italian citizens, and the amount of paperwork depends on where you are from. For Americans, the first step is getting the elective residency visa, which requires a lot of proof of financial ability to support yourself.
Hi, Eric, Nice to meet you & the Mrs. Couple of questions if ok. Can I exchange my drivers license from US to an Italian license ( like the way it’s done between states )? And, does your church there preach the gospel in English? Thanks, Sal & Liz
Hi! The license is one of the hardest parts of the move. There is no way around it...you have to take the written and driving test, and you have to do it within a year of arriving. I studied so hard and Sandra still hasn't done it. Our church is all in Italian. We use Google translate during the service but it has helped our Italian a lot! We do at least have a few people that speak English there, so usually they speak Italian to us and we speak English to them!
Like what you are doing and we are interested in doing something similar. How did you find the house? Did you do research online or did you have a realtor in Italy find it for you?
Hi! We decided we wanted to find something in Abruzzo. From there I spent months pouring over real estate websites, picking out houses we wanted to see. We then planned a house hunting trip, working with a number of realtors that were recommended. It was quite a process!
visiting Italy for a holiday is a nice time but moving there is going into a bureaucratic hell.. Getting a resident visa is a real problem going to government offices, being checked on by police, having to come up with yours and your parents birth certificates, writing exams in Italian, wanting documents after documents taking months to process anything , losing things you sent them.. Not being able to drive a car over 55watts for the 1st year because they don't accept your driving records outside of Italy, Not being able to buy a car until you get your residency.. Not speaking Italian fluently is very isolating, all the rules on doing any renovations with the city council not allowing anything to be renovated without expensive architects and engineers and even historians approving everything... all while worrying about being victimized as theviery is the national sport..
It's definitely not an easy process, but probably not much different than what any immigrant goes through, but yes, you have to be prepared for your first year basically being a full-time job.
Hi! We've found the doctors to be very competent. Dealing with primary care has been easy. We've both had to make hospital trips that ended up being hours long, but with good care.
Hi! No, we did not use any kind of consultant. We did use a real estate agent that came highly recommended and she helped us immensely through the process.
Hi, Italy did not go broke, but they do have financial issues. Currently, the economy here is showing improvement. Vaccines were not forced, but you were very limited in doing much of anything without proof of vaccine. For example, when we came in 2021 we had to prove vaccination to eat in restaurants. Italy has one of the oldest populations in Europe and they were hit early and hard by COVID.
@@ericgray6625 They were hit hard because of the large Chinese community in Italy. When the pandemic started, it started in China, the Italian government immediately should have stopped Chinese travel into Italy but they didn't so the Chinese infected Italians and the rest of Europe.
Italy is the number three richest country among the Europeans and a member of the G7 most industrialized countries and has the largest Gold reserve among the Europeans. The problem with Italy is that we have one incompetent government after another and the people keep voting for the same useless people who keep lying to them.
Just curious, what type of church were you able to find? I know Italy is prominently Catholic. I would like to know if there are any protestant churches.
Hi! There are protestant churches but you can't be super picky and they're small. I think the most common protestant church around us is more along the lines of an assemblies of God church. There is a methodist church, and we go to a reformed/evangelical church. It's a fairly traditional Bible church. We drive about 25 minutes to get there, but it has really helped with the move because we've been accepted and treated with so much love.
@@ericgray6625 this is wonderful news! I am so happy that you were able to find a Bible based church even if it isn’t just around the corner. I am so in love with Italy and dream of moving there one day, even if it is only for part of the year. I have been doing research and trying to learn about what it is like as an expat. My husband is in denial about how the US is going down the tubes. I don’t see how retirement here will work or be very satisfying. Anyway, the church situation is a huge concern for me. Glad to hear it isn’t all Catholic, though the cathedrals are beautiful!
@howdythere3121 we were able to retire younger here because of the cost of living. The feeling of safety here is a huge relief, and we just felt people in the US becoming less caring for their fellow citizens. It's been a bit of a mourning process.
Remember this. Christianity was imposed in Europe by the colonizing Romans. Even Britannia (Now UK) was under Roman Rule for more than 300 years and their language was the Latin Roman language and the religion was Roman Christian Catholicism. They rebelled because the Pope didn't allow King Henry VIII to have his marriage to his wife Catherine of Aragon annulled so he decided to separate from the Roman Catholic Church and the British became Protestants which is a fake, made up "Christianity" out of rebellion. Italy should not allow these Churches.
Miss you, too, Elise! Enjoying the adventure (even on the hard days) but I do miss our work sessions! Hope your school year is off to a good start and you are still enjoying being the librarian. Would love to have you come see us anytime!
😅Yes, it is possible! Many Americans, Canadians, and Australians (and others) are able to do it. That said, it was like the hardest final of my life and I studied for hours and hours, every day, for months. It becomes repetitive and you start learning key words and then it's test taking strategies. I'm as proud of that license as I am of anything I did in my personal academic career!
@@ericgray6625 that is really good to know! I've heard it's a bear! I speak German (which I read that they do offer it in German, but not sure if that's in all regions or just the north) and Italian (though not yet fluent). Good for you! Very impressive!
Hi Linda, yes, we're in Abruzzo. There are English speaking expats but very few of the Italians are comfortable speaking English. You definitely have to learn at least the Italian basics.
nice vid. i will summarize. prepare in advance and make moving a process. learn the language ahead of time. after a year they moved into their renovated home, and are happy, but miss their family most complaints from others are tax related from their american investments. no comment on this.
The language okay it may be a problem but paying for the groceries is that difficult to the point that it's a problem for you? Really? Your possession took along time to arrive and you blame Italy. Oh yes, it's all in Italian!!! You forgot that's Italy and in Italy the language is Italian. Yes it's hard and you should have known before you made the move. At your age to be honest you should have remained in the USA and chosen a small Town instead.
