Living in Italy has become an ever-growing collection of stories. There are stories about us, about things we’ve done, about the Italian people we meet every day. There are also reflections on how life is different, and in some ways, how it is the same. We will periodically add more stories here. If there’s anything you think we should write about, let us know!
Learning Italiano
We have been serious about learning Italian since we first explored the idea of moving to Italy. However, I can say without any hesitation, that it is one of the most difficult things I have ever tried to do. It is amazing to me to find that I could work on something each and every…
Gelato Culture
I love gelato. Love it. But I have to admit that this is not a new love that developed since arriving in Italy. I have always liked ice cream. One summer while we were living in Chicago, our family made it our mission to visit all of the top 10 ice cream places in the…
Granita in Sicily
I haven’t thought much about granita in a couple of years, really since the last time we were in Sicily. But now that we are here again, I am reminded of just what a unique, refreshingly perfect treat it is. Although water ice in the United States stems from granita in its basic form, it…
Starting at an Italian School
We were so fortunate in our first year of this journey to find a school where our kids were happy. Our children started at the International School of Turin in the nearby small town of Chieri. It’s an international baccalaureate school (PK-12) and they experienced almost no transition at all. Their peers were accustomed to…
How I Learned To Slow Down and Embrace the Italian Way of Shopping
I’m not going to lie, living without Target (or similar store) is quite an adjustment. And I haven’t even really adjusted completely yet. I’m embarrassed to admit that I spent over $500 there on a trip back to the United States last November. Although there are similar big box stores for home improvement, clothes, and…
Buon Viaggio! Our Story of Leaving Chicago
As we sit here in the waiting area at 9 pm at night in O’Hare international airport, I’m not experiencing the typical stresses that most moms feel as they are getting ready to board an overnight flight with three young children. Instead, I feel incredible relief and calmness. The last three weeks have been some…
The Avventura 