Wanted to Rent: Home at the beach, Toscana, Marche or Sicilia. Long-term, seaview, walk to shops, nice beach, quiet, two bedroom+, begin soon. This will be my home-away-from-home, where I will write, think, create, so it must have good vibes.
English-speaking? Live in or near Assisi, Santa Maria? Meet for fun, tips, ideas, explore, connect with other ex-Pats (And if you know of local Americans and Canadians who meet for social or other reasons in the area, please reply).
Welcome to Italy. You think you know it, maybe as a tourist, living here is like the scene painted under the huge Duomo in Florence ... an adventure in paradise and for some hell; the food, sights, sounds, smells ... quaint towns and beutiful people talking in a strange language you don't understand, but it captivates you. You want to know it, speak it like them. And then, something or someone changes all of that and you are now living here as "the stranger" or un Americano, no longer the casual visitor on holiday with money to spend carelessly. And that is when you realize you know nothing and yet you want to know everything. It hurts to be in this place of not knowing. The words, "piano, piano" redundantly resonate in this land, in the classroom, the shops, the bars, in the homes of people you have just met, for he who rushes this process of understanding is destined for disapointment and frustration. There is no way out. You must take baby steps, inching out to find your way around the corner, or around an irredgular verb. Repeating everything is the only way I have found that works. Over and over and over the simpliest of phrases, walking around the block to see where you are, making eye-contact with the locals, a little buongiorno goes a long way, trying to understand. To connect. You may become aware of being alone or at times even concerned that this decision of yours was wrong. Patience. And you begin again, to experience that one little gem, that little kernal of pleasure in a day that unfolded before you to learn. Unlike where you have been, this is Italia Expect something you have never understood about yourself for this is when you will understand why you are really here. Italy is not just another country, it is your heart collding with destiny. P.S. I live in Assisi, main piazza, but it could be anywhere in Italy. I chose a small, quaint town where there is love and lore ... and from here I venture out, coming back to a place that is indeed peaceful. Oh, one more thing: if you want to learn the language forget about learning from a hyped language school marketing to tourists with fancy websites. You will not remember what you were "taught" in a week or two. I have tried several and understand now that there are no shortcuts here, as well. Immersion and grammar PLUS hard work outisde of the classroom is essential. You must devote yourself to this or most everything you learn will dissolve after that third glass of vino. Ha! Life in Italy is fantastic but you must perservere. And let it flow naturally for you, not according to what someone else thinks you should be doing. ~ Addison
Dear Gina,Just getting into a groove, feeling out the area, the people, the unbelievable and the believable. I'm working on a book that will be more of an epic ... romance, families, drama and more... I hope. Right now I"m looking to connect with ex pats in the Assisi area ... not so easy. If you wish to send me your draft of the article I can give you a real time update on the process that I just completed and in fact have two more steps. It includes some pricing and tips that have changed recently. Best regards, Gina, Addison
If I can be of assistance, happy to. I have extensive experience in this process and it's daunting, protracted and complicated. I was thinking of writing a story about this but it continues to evolve as the Italian system is forever changing. ~ Addison Assisi
Comments posted
Very kind, Anna, however I'm looking elsewhere. Best wishes.... A
Welcome to Italy. You think you know it, maybe as a tourist, living here is like the scene painted under the huge Duomo in Florence ... an adventure in paradise and for some hell; the food, sights, sounds, smells ... quaint towns and beutiful people talking in a strange language you don't understand, but it captivates you. You want to know it, speak it like them. And then, something or someone changes all of that and you are now living here as "the stranger" or un Americano, no longer the casual visitor on holiday with money to spend carelessly. And that is when you realize you know nothing and yet you want to know everything. It hurts to be in this place of not knowing. The words, "piano, piano" redundantly resonate in this land, in the classroom, the shops, the bars, in the homes of people you have just met, for he who rushes this process of understanding is destined for disapointment and frustration. There is no way out. You must take baby steps, inching out to find your way around the corner, or around an irredgular verb. Repeating everything is the only way I have found that works. Over and over and over the simpliest of phrases, walking around the block to see where you are, making eye-contact with the locals, a little buongiorno goes a long way, trying to understand. To connect. You may become aware of being alone or at times even concerned that this decision of yours was wrong. Patience. And you begin again, to experience that one little gem, that little kernal of pleasure in a day that unfolded before you to learn. Unlike where you have been, this is Italia Expect something you have never understood about yourself for this is when you will understand why you are really here. Italy is not just another country, it is your heart collding with destiny. P.S. I live in Assisi, main piazza, but it could be anywhere in Italy. I chose a small, quaint town where there is love and lore ... and from here I venture out, coming back to a place that is indeed peaceful. Oh, one more thing: if you want to learn the language forget about learning from a hyped language school marketing to tourists with fancy websites. You will not remember what you were "taught" in a week or two. I have tried several and understand now that there are no shortcuts here, as well. Immersion and grammar PLUS hard work outisde of the classroom is essential. You must devote yourself to this or most everything you learn will dissolve after that third glass of vino. Ha! Life in Italy is fantastic but you must perservere. And let it flow naturally for you, not according to what someone else thinks you should be doing. ~ Addison
Dear Gina,Just getting into a groove, feeling out the area, the people, the unbelievable and the believable. I'm working on a book that will be more of an epic ... romance, families, drama and more... I hope. Right now I"m looking to connect with ex pats in the Assisi area ... not so easy. If you wish to send me your draft of the article I can give you a real time update on the process that I just completed and in fact have two more steps. It includes some pricing and tips that have changed recently. Best regards, Gina, Addison
If I can be of assistance, happy to. I have extensive experience in this process and it's daunting, protracted and complicated. I was thinking of writing a story about this but it continues to evolve as the Italian system is forever changing. ~ Addison Assisi