Living in Italy

You will also need to familiarise yourself with the transportation system. If you drive, get an international driver’s license so that you can stay behind the wheel of your car. It is best if you also familiarise yourself with the railway and bus systems in your area. That will make it really easy to get around.

If you do have the proper licence, use it and explore the fantastic scenery of Italy. Drive down the autostrades and spend a day at the harbor in Portofino among the rich and famous. Enjoy the beauty of sea and mountain in this picture perfect setting.

You will also want to thoroughly explore your new neighbourhood. Find out where the market is. Learn where you can get your supplies when you need them. It’s also a good time to get to know your neighbours. It’s always good to know the baker and the butcher. They can also point you in the direction of the best places to eat.

If you have your family with you, you will also want to know where the school is located as well as the hospital. Find out what numbers you should call in case of an emergency.

You also need to get used to the working hours in Italy. Some portions of the country close from lunch until four in the afternoon since they have siesta. It is also too hot to do business at those times. Make the most of that time to rest and adjust to your new home.

You will also need to take time to truly appreciate the portion of Italy that you now call home. You may have come on a vacation before, maybe you stayed a week or two, but it really isn’t the same as seeing Italy through the eyes of a resident.

You will now be able to take your time and wander through the many beautiful churches of Italy. You can go to the Basilica di San Pietro in the Vatican City or the Basilica di San Dominica in Bologna.

Take the time to go to Napoleon and Tuscany and savor the delicious food. Discover the taste of Italy. Eat some of the delicious Pizza Marguerite. There is nothing like eating in Naples.

Speaking of eating, if one lives in Italy, one must learn to cook. It does not have to be anything fancy. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn to cook authentic Italian dishes. It will never be a bad thing to learn as many recipes as you can. If any of your friends drop by, you can impress them with your wonderful cooking.

Make the time and take in some opera. Watch some ballet performances as well. Go to Teatro Alla Scala in Milan or to the Teatro Communale in Bologna which are always great places to go. Get season tickets if you can.

You are now living in the land of the renaissance masters. It would be a waste if you did not take the time to visit their works. Truly though the art is everywhere. The Italians seem to have been born craftsmen.

Don’t neglect the chance to find romance. With such a passionate people, surely there is one who will touch your heart. Maybe a moonlit ride on a gondola in Venice is all you really need.