Ever wondered what life in Italy is really like? Is it really all just good food, wine and sunshine? If you’ve lived here for any length of time, you’ll have your own memories of ‘La Patria’, many fond, others perhaps less so. If you’re considering a change of scene, maybe hearing from some people in the know will influence your decision.
On the heels of Italy: Love it or leave it comes a 60-second reflection called ‘Dubbio made in Italy’ by ZERO. It’s a short film in Italian, to watch once and read once, a sad look on what life is like anywhere else if you’ve lived in Il Bel Paese.
TF recently posted the video on Facebook and asked its fans and readers whether they had ever lived in Italy, loved it and left it? Here’s what they said.
Tina Bain, ‘I owned a house in Tuscany for 13 years, living there increasingly large parts of the year, in the latter years 75% of the time. I loved it, but I love the UK also, where I live now. I miss a lot about Italy, but not the bureaucracy, nepotism and only getting things done if you know the right people! My life there has added to my overall well being and my appreciation of good food, wine, art and scenery.’
Martha George Wiggin Langston, ‘We were fortunate enough to stay in Florence for a month every other year for 6 years. The last time we were there was 4 years ago and I miss Italy soooo much. I am homesick for the bells, the smells on the street, the friendliness of everyone we met, the amazing art that still makes me cry when I see it – just the feel of Italy is so wonderful. I cannot wait to go back.’
Margaret Vincent, ‘Only lived in Florence for about two months this past summer for study abroad. I LOVED it. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was get on a plane and come home. There honestly isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about Italy. Most of the students came back to the States and continued their lives, like Italy was just for fun. I had a real connection with the country & I can’t wait to return.’
Madeline Clarke Jhawar, ‘I have lived and loved and left Italy as well…’
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