WORTH IT? Our Life as Sicilian Expats #15 

This is a lovely way to tell a story. Just sitting with a backdrop and talking like normal people talk. No background music , no editing. Perfect. Thank you. As a Puerto Rican I’m enamored with the idea of living in Italy, land of my ancestors. ❤

My family moved to Sicily last year and everything you stated about the people and culture is spot on. Glad I found your channel.

Hello guys. I'm sicilian living in Acitrezza. Causally I found your video and you know your kind words warmed my heart. As proud sicilian I have been flattered and at the same time so happy you moved here and apreciated our land. I'd like to meet you to have some chat. I could even to suggest you some place to visit, you know Sicily is so plenty of many hidden places to find out.

So happy to have discovered your RU-vid channel today. I moved/retired to Sicily in 2021 from Northern California. I applied for my Italian citizenship recognition, today is the 2nd anniversary of receiving my dual citizenship recognition! I thoroughly enjoyed hearing your joy of living in Sicily. The people ARE so kind and welcoming! The topography offers just about anything from beaches, mountains, forests, countryside to city life! I lived in Avola before discovering Ispica which is now my home. 😊 Benvenuti nella nostra bella Sicilia! VI auguro tutto il meglio! 🎉 ❤️💛

Just found your channel and you are living my dream. Full immersion in another country. Thank you!

Ottima scelta. Bravi. Respect and friendship for sicilians is sacred. You're not just a friend, you're part of the family. Greetings from Rome.

As a proud Sicilian who LIVES abroad, I must say that seeing your video made me really emotional and even shed a few tears. You feel good in Sicily, because I see that you too are open and friendly. I loved your video because it focuses on people, on Sicilians and their essence, their way of living and coexisting with others. Thank you very much! ❤🇮🇹

This is exactly 💯 the way my husband and I feel about our trip in Italy! It is what America is missing!!

Wow. Amazing. My wife and I are planning our first trip to Sicily in a few months. We are also hoping to move there in a few years. This video is very helpful and gave insight to what it's like as an expat. We're getting more and more excited!

Grateful I found this video. I spent a semester in Italy in the 1980s and before COVID, I wanted more countries (quantity), instead of quality. Once borders opened up, I went to my "safe" first trip to Europe. Spent my post-COVID birthday (July 2021) mostly in Firenze. Since then, I've been back to Italy 4/5 times, because Italy is me. I spent a week in Sicily in 1988 and loved it. This summer, I'm heading north. Trieste+....cities I've never been. There is something about Italy's everything that speaks to my soul. I've never found it anywhere else in the world. Grazie monto/mille!

A very enjoyable video. I was in Scicily last year for 2 months. I didn't want to leave. I'm planning a move there but will rent first and take it from there. A beautiful island, culture, and food are amazing. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Just stumbled across you guys! Welcome to sicily, totally agree with you on the hospitality of the sicilians. I'm a Scottish expat been living on the island for many years and although it has it's challenges I wouldn't change it now.

Greetings from Silicon Valley , south of San Francisco. I am so excited to have found your channel! I just watched the last 15 videos and have thoroughly enjoyed your journey. I can't wait to see what you do with your little house. Everything you are doing is of interest. Even what you think is mundane is interesting. I love the people you are meeting and I may have a little crush on Massimo 😉I am looking forward to your next video. Thank you for sharing your life!

Enjoyed hearing your observations and what you love about your new surroundings. Our first time in Italy we also fell in love with the people snd culture. Were a few years from retirement and will end up somewhere in Italy. Thank you for sharing!

You're look so happy. Nice to see. Beware the summer months.

It's important to have friends wherever you are and you two look happy which is enough evidence for me

Thank you for sharing. I always say life is a journey and you have to create it as you go. People, places and environment make life amazing. Be blessed!

I visited Sicily for 2 weeks when I lived in London England (over 20 years ago) and I cried all the way to the airport when I left. You are very fortunate to have made a life there. I am looking forward to your videos!

My wife speaks Sicilian (and Italian). Realy wish my American tongue could learn it. My plan is to spend February - April in Sicily

I really enjoy the stories that you both talk about and look forward to learning more of your Sicilian adventures! Great vid BTW... 😘

I look forward to watch your video every Sunday morning after my breakfast. Thank you for your videos.

That's how you do Easter! Wow!

I just found your channel. My grandfather was Sicilian. Unfortunately, he died when I was only 6 months old. So I never got to know him or his side of the family. There was to much drama involved. My Sicilian ancestors are the ones I am trying to find information on given that is my lost heritage. I want to visit Sicily and Italy. I am getting older and lost my husband 6 years ago. Traveling solo is not my thing. But you fueling that desire to at least see where my great grandparents came from. My great parents immigrated in the late 1800’s. My grandfather was born in the US but his parents did not become US citizens until long after my grandfather was born. Given the high cost of living here, Italy and a healthier life sounds so refreshing.

HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME... I go to Italy yearly, my family is originally from Emilia Romagna. I finally made it to Sicily last year (Palermo, Cefalù, Messina, Taormina, Bronte, Syracuse, Noto, Agrigento, Trapani, Erice). Beautiful region, amazing food, nice people and the climate does seem nice all year round (ok maybe too hot in July and August). You guys are living the good life. It's all about these little moments. I simply love your location (very green for Sicily). 30 min from Syracuse or Noto, 2 hours from Taormina (music concerts)... We need to check this out!!!

We miss our Sicily! Enjoy ❤

Hey guys, really enjoyed your video. We are Aussies and moved here 3 months ago and agree it’s wonderful and hard. We’re also learning Italian…… quite a challenge but also rewarding. We will definitely keep tuning in to what you have to share. We are living in Aci Trezza Catania.

What a fun and good idea. Sitting at a table and having an interesting conversation with each other with that wonderful Sicilian background. It was as if I were there myself. Heartwarming to see how you have been included in the Sicilian community. We ourselves are soon to retire early end of 2025 and then emigrate, so your film also gave some courage to take this step. For a big part it is all about the willing to embrace a new culture, learn a new language and take initiatives to get in contact with the local community. Somethimes it works, somethimes it won't. But there is already much value in trying and being open for the challenge. Europe is a wonderful patchwork, not only of different climate zones, but cultures, customs, architecture, history, languages and I could go on and on. A good place as a base, where you feel at home and have friends, is important and I am happy for you that it went so well. If it gets too hot you can always travel more t he northern part of Europe in the summer months. Greetings from Switzerland.

u guys belong there.. ur heart is in sicily... ur blessings are where ur heart is .. god bless

Just got back from Sicily with my daughter visiting with family in Santo Stefano di Briga. Easter Monday was exactly what you described. With family, like we’ve known them for decades although we just met. So easy. The food and conversation was amazing. It felt like home. Maybe I’m meant to move there?? ❤

He Is Risen! That procession was beautiful. Felt Holy

Hi guys! Really enjoying your videos. I'm nearing the 50 mark and planning early retirement (and on an odyssey for Italian citizenship through my Sicilian great-grandparents!). You're both an inspiration. Would love to see more about who you are and how you got to this point. Keep up the great work!

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your journey.

You both are so nice! I love watching your videos. Your house looks great. The landscape anyway. You have made a good decision!

OMG your property looks perfect! That entrance gate and garden! I’d sign up for that in a beat as well. You seem to be a lovely couple. Best wishes to you and everyone watching!

My husband & I went to Sicily last year. We visited a town called Pozzallo where our parents are originally from. It is a beautiful town right on the water. You guys should go there. The beach there is called Pietrenere beach. It is unbelievable beautiful

What a lovely down to earth couple. Am thinking of buying a property in rural sicily. And your video is very reassuring.

I traveled to Sicily in 2019, pre pandemic, and loved our time there. This is the first time I’ve seen a video like yours and it makes me want to revisit soon.

Just found your channel and we love it! We continue to think about living in Sicily which is where my Great Grandparents are from and I'm working on dual citizenship. We'll be there in September for another visit. Keep the videos coming please! Brian and Amy

Just found your channel! New subscriber now! We went to Italy for the first time last summer and we definitely want to move there when we retire. My husband said we’ll visit Sicily next! You didn’t talk a lot in your video, I was ready to hear more! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

Ironic how a region of Italy once viewed as low class, backwards and cheap has evolved into a place worth living, investing and socializing. With great food, culture, scenery, people.

Well done vid and worth subscribing. Your take on France in winter... thank you for this.

Hello Beth & Brian! My husband woke me up one am and said I had to watch this video. I did and at that moment I felt like our lives will be taking a wonderful new directions. We are visiting the whole island for a month next year to look around. Thanks for sharing your experience! JO.

Hello there, just discovered your video, everything you describe is just amazing, you both look so relaxed & happy, & thank u for the lovely video. I am living in New York many years but born in Ireland, my husband is American, i to am trying to find my little oasis in the warm sun & am leaning towards Italy, but never thought of Sicily. It looks & sounds perfect, I miss the small town atmosphere, friendly people & delicious homemade food of my early years…you made me feel homesick for Europe. Looking forward to watching more of your lovely videos, enjoy your day…ciao 🤗

what a view. Green hills are so unreal.

Thank you guys, amazing video. We are Canadian looking to do the same. Hope to see you in Sicily!

Another great video. My great-grandfather is for Calamonaci, Sicily and we are planning a fall trip to southern Sicily to research family history. We will also be house hunting for a small winter get-away property. Our search area is a triangle from Syracuse-Scoglitti-Pachino. Any tips would be appreciated and or any great properties.

Looks lovely. My first time to your channel. I am US native and love the US , have traveled all over US. Your video makes me want to visit Sicily , but I would probably do lots of eating. LOL I love the greenery

My relatives live in a town in Enna province. I think there was a procession every other day when we were visiting. 😊 My grandparents emmigrated in 1920 to the US as there was no opportunity in Sicily.

your presentations are getting better and better!!!....and thank God no blues/rock!!....bless you both!!

My First visit. NICE. Appreciate the way you gave us THE BEST View of all the BEAUTY of Nature & pics. of your escapades. Sounds absolutely Amazing. I went to Tuscany for 30 days a few years ago & THE PEOPLE were so warm & friendly. Sounds like I need to visit Sicily next! I'm looking for Warm Friendly people who are OPEN & Inviting. That sounds like FAMILY to me.

Love the feel of this video! So happy for your adventures/discoveries and new home.

Love this ❤, community and just pure joy.

What a wonderful couple

Like others, I’ve just come across your videos. I live here and I have to say it’s really refreshing to see the green hills behind you. I just had a weekend near Agrigento (gli archi di pane a San Biagio Platani, go check it out) and the siccità (drought) that’s affecting the island is very noticeable. Especially in the plains of Catania. Small pockets of green but not at all what it should be like in April. Comunque, auguri! Enjoyed the video.

I'm watching with a cappuccino in my hand as we get ready for church. I absolutely loved this video, guys❤ It's so heartwarming to see people enjoying the simplicity of nature and other kind souls......the food and weather is icing on the cake! Good on you guys for following your dreams!!! From British Columbia, 🇨🇦 Jason

So happy you love sicily so much, we love it too😊

yes, the area (Hyblaean Mountains) where we live used to be a seabed. Originally it was a massive underwater volcano, older than Etna. And all the soft stone you see in your property most likely is sea sediment. Once your eyes will be sharp enough, you will see fragments or entire shells in the walls of Noto (or Malta, where it's even more evident)

I'm happy you enjoyed it! ❤

3:38 It’s always about the people. Sicilians are special. The great beauties the island has to offer and the historical foreign influences may explain their unique character.

Wow! I want to be like you when I grow up. You live boldly and in the present!!!

Really enjoyed the content and style of your commentary in the video. Very conversational. Refreshing. We're debating about how long to stay in Italy. Can't get my head around the significant tax difference between US and Italy through. So we may have to be part timers. Best wishes

The food, that must be amazing!!

So beautiful❤ the church with easter

Australia is wonderful and I love being an Australian. But it’s so far away from everywhere! My dream is to live in Europe for a few months (as a start) - It sounds like you’ve found the perfect spot!

Just found you today, Looking forward to seeing your adventures in Sicily !! Best Wishes from Southern California !! 🌴

You guys are awesome. Nice people draw nice people.

It was my 1st video- & now I want to check out Sicily!🙌🏼

Happy Sunday!

Ciao Amici! Loved your commentary. We bought a fixer upper around the corner from Tenuta San Marco. Still needs fixing up. I’ll be looking for you when we get back there. Greetings from Vieques, Puerto Rico!

Hi Elizabeth and Brian, this was fun to watch and very informative. I'm a single 59 Dutch and US citizen and would like to move back to Europe at some point. I'm fluent in French, so France is my focus. I'm looking at the area above Menton, near the Italian border (not the coast but more inland in the mountains). I'm ok with 4 seasons, but like you, I would get depressed with a lot of cloud coverage. I've looked at Italy as well, as it's so much cheaper, and started learning Italian. I'm torn...Would love to go fossil hunting, the fossils looked amazing!!!

Hello from Portland! I saw your Gigantic Brewing Tshirt. We’ve to Sicily and I’m enjoying your videos quite a bit!!! Thanks for sharing.

Real nice video! Im in NY and have dual USA/Italian citizenship and i'm thinking of getting a place in Sicily. My father is from Pachino, Siricusa and its not far from Noto. Pachino is the last town on the most southern tip of Sicily. Have you ever been to Marzememi? Its a beautiful place with a gorgeous beach and restaurants.

You sound just like me and my husband! We stayed in Marina di Ragusa two winters now okt-may.

I want to move to Sardegna next spring. I’m just still trying to find the right town for me. I do want to be near a larger city with a bus connection and near a nice beach.

I just discovered this channel. We are expats in Portugal. Keep up the good work. We plan to visit Sicily in 2025.

i hope you are still going to have informative podcasts. you have me sold. there is not much out there about sicily. i would like to see the various seasons, some beaches...gardens...harvest & the people the way it really is. Thankyou.

We often laugh at the English, Americans, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders who have never experienced Mediterranean food habits like lemon on peppers and in fact many vegetables, lemon on meat, olive oil and fresh bread….. it is just so different to how the west eat! You enjoy this amazing place ! Ciao!

Jersey boy here- Placido(immigrant from 1966) its nice to see more people airing their experience with Sicily and their people who many including northern Italians will never come to fully understand and or appreciate the complexity of our personality. Formed by our rich and many times turbulent crazy history along with personal family experiences is what defines us all, in short Sicilians are driven by strong passion for better and at times for worse. If you tell a newly northern Italian that you just might have met that you are also Italian and then they find out that you're from Sicily their respond will be Oh!! you're a Sicilian. if you outright tell that same person that you're a Sicialian then they respond as if you think you're an elitist, funny but its true. I truly hate to see less and less of the Sicilian dialect being spoken as it's known to be the oldest and first true known romance language and not a dialect being older and closer to vulgar latin than the Italian language that is spoken today . I know there are efforts these days to preserve many of these fading dialects

First time viewer of your channel and great presentation btw.... need to mention this though, 1:40 , or so, i see footage of my Mexican culture, in Mariachi attire, i believe so.. thought i need to bring it up. Italia es un pais INCREIBLE! ❤. Have fun!

New sub from North Carolina! I want to learn more about that Easter celebration and want to experience it! 🙏🏻❤️

Great story! We should meet when I go visit my parents in Sicliy (I live in Pesaro).

How wonderful. What a lovely video. I love you guys! Hello from Tasmania,

So glad i found this video and your channel many thanks Im looking for some land to try get my kids out of the city as much as possible & Sicily is looking so appealing ! Thanks

We are currently living in the north of Italy and have often wondered about Sicily. The thing that scares me the most is the heat in the summer because I can't stand the heat here in Venice. But I've been told it's more of a dry heat like Arizona and not the high humidity we have up here.

You have a new sub. I lived in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Catalunya, for five years, the culture and the people were amazing and I haven't really settled back in the UK since. The communal outdoor life of southern Europe is wonderful. We never got to Sicily but travelled round a lot of Italy - how are you finding the Italian drivers? In Spain I had a battered 4x4, my best car ever :o) i look forward to your videos.

You guys are the greatest. We will be coming soon

I have been a part-time in Tuscany for many years in the past. I am returning in April for approximately a month. Everything I’ve learned about Sicily makes it very interesting place and I’m glad that it is a friendly and supported place. Have you had any experience with the mafia or with crime in general? Finally, from what I’ve been told about Italy healthcare gets worse the further south, you go. Living there and advanced age could be more challenging because the less sophisticated healthcare technology that is available there.

Forgot to add: Your US drivers license can be used only for 1 year in Italy. You must then obtain an Italian drivers license. The written drivers test is really difficult, even for Italian native speakers. The test is not offered in English. However, in your case, you are lucky because it is offered in French (due to World War 1).

Thank you great video

Haha! I bet the weather has something to do with that! We live in the UK, originally from Poland, honestly, sooooo missing the sun, especially this year! The weather is just absolutely dreadful, so disappointing. Italy - here we come, haha! (in few years...)

I sold my home in Lake Garda area in April for the same reason.very cold and no sun for half the year. Also air quality not so good in the Poe Valley. I grew up traveling Italy with my parents, and we spent a few years living in Trecastagni near Catania and then later in Greve just south of Firenze. I’m dual national (grandparents were Siciliani) and now I have a home in Orlando and looking for something affordable in Sicilia. Maybe I’ll pass that way during my house hunting later this summer.

I personally won’t describe it as depressing and sad. I would called it a Christian festivity fill of reverence, faith, and brotherhood, an authentic Christian Catholic Tradition.

Thank you for sharing ❤

Ok you have convinced us. we will come in September :)

I love it!❤

Welcome!

Love this video.❤❤❤❤❤

Loving the series. You're such good story tellers. We would love the episodes 500% more if you dropped the music. It doesn't fit and distracts.

Canadian Italian here. Looking to retire to Siciliy in a year.

Amazing ❤❤❤