As most of you die-hard Italy fans know, the prodigal adopted "daughter" of Tuscany and esteemed expert of all things under its sun, Frances Mayes, is about to release her latest book titled See You in the Piazza. The 412-page stunner is essentially a mis-mash of new places to discover in Italy where Mayes takes us to the mythical track called "Off-the-Beaten". I love Tuscany as much as the next retired Brit (ever heard of Chiantishire?) but sometimes it gets to be a little annoying, not the Brits but the attention the region receives. It's not undeserved by any means but I do have to say that there are parts of Italy that are just sitting patiently and waiting to be discovered and believe it or not, you should seriously consider sitting under a Umbrian/Catanian/Pugliese/Lombard sun. It's really just as wonderful, ask Frances. I was lucky enough to be given the book ahead of its release by the publishers but due to the slow, nearly non-functional postal service in Italy, I just received it the other day and thus cannot fathom finishing it in time to provide a thorough review post. I will definitely be doing one in the future so keep an eye out. 

For today, I wanted and needed to post something even better than a review...a book giveaway! Yes friends, I have TWO hardcover copies of See You in the Piazza by Frances Mayes and I want you to have them. It's a gorgeous book and objectively-speaking, put a photograph of a piazza on a cover and I'm sold. It is sure to become a permanent fixture on the bookshelves of Italophiles world-wide and better yet, it contains original recipes from restaurants that Frances and her poet husband Ed have wined and dined at. I don't know where this book will end up when the winners receive it, it might be on a bedside table, bookshelf, coffee table, or kitchen table, but the most important thing is that it find a place in your heart. I know it's already won me over and I have barely cracked the spine. I'm such a sucker for Italy books and there's really nothing like Frances's uncanny ability to recreate Italy for readers, no matter where in the world they are reading her words. 

How to Enter:
To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment and make sure to include an e-mail or website where I can contact you if you win. For a bonus entry, watch my Instastories where I mention the giveaway and share on your Instastories (make sure I'm tagged!). I will draw the winners on Tuesday, March 12th, the same day the book will be available in stores. Good luck everyone! 

NOTE: Sweepstakes open to US residents only (sorry everyone else!). ​​

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at these ones:

​Guest Post: How I Followed My Dreams of Becoming a Writer in Rome
Guest Post: My Story with the Italian Language​
​Guest Post: How Italy at Nineteen Inspired a Debut Novel by Dorah Blume
​THE ITALY EXPERIENCE: Canadian Expat vs. American Exchange Student

Recommended Reads: I Hope You Find Me 
​Recommended Reads: Month of February
​Recommended Reads: Month of October
Recommended Reads: The Best of Us by Joyce Maynard
Recommended Reads: Come Away With Me by Karma Brown ​​
Book in Progress: When in French by Lauren Collins​
Book in Progress: Finding Me in France by Bobbi French ​

If you books and Italy are what do it for you, check out these posts:
​Book Buzz: Return to Glow by Chandi Wyant
Book in Progress: Italian Ways by Tim Parks
Recommended #Italy Reads: At Least You're in Tuscany by Jennifer Criswell
​Recommended Reads: A Zany Slice of Italy by Ivanka Di Felice ​
​This Sweet Life: Beginnings

Welcome to the first Monday of March! Today we are finally going off the Italy trail for a bit and I have to say I'm really excited about it. Not that I don't love all these Italian + foreigner stories because I do, but I think it's about time that other cool combinations get a moment in the spotlight too. A cool combination like Sonja and Ricky, for example. She's from beautiful Switzerland and he's from the City of Angels in the great US of A. I particularly wanted to share their story because I think it's a glaring case study into the new era of dating and relationships. With Instagram, Snapchat and so many other apps, young people these days aren't just looking at the boy or girl next-door as potential relationship material, now the entire world is one big playing field and every country is fair game. Throw in a lingua franca like English and you've got a love story like this one- young, international, and connected by Instagram! 

​Where are you from and where is your significant other from?
I'm from Switzerland and Ricky is from Los Angeles.

Curator's Note:  I'm thinking of Switzerland and thinking of Los Angeles and about how different your places of origin are. 

Where and when did you meet your significant other? 
He found me on Instagram and we started talking, The first time in person we both met in London at the airport.

Curator's Note: Oh Ricky, just sliding into the DMs. Did you know that this is how a lot of celebrities hook up as well? I think Nick Jonas slid into Priyanka Chopra's Twitter DMs and now they are the cutest couple ever. How much do you adore the first meeting at the airport? This is why I have always loved airports. Yes, they are places of grand goodbyes which are the absolute worst but they are also the setting of beautiful beginnings. 

Who made the first move? 
He made the first move. He send me a DM on Instagram.

Where did HE think YOU were originally from?
He had no clue where I was from at first because I looked so exotic to him.

Curator's Note:  I've always found this attraction to the exotic to be a very valid motive for people ending up with foreign partners. The whole idea of something being unfamiliar to us, the curiosity drive, is definitely alive and well. 

What was your first impression of her/him?
I was overwhelmed by his beautiful smile! His aura drew me in.

Curator's Note: I personally find that Americans smile more and "bigger" than Europeans. Apparently there's actually evolutionary reasoning behind this as well that has to do with immigration in the United States and the fact that in the past, in order to overcome language issues, people would smile and use non-verbal communication to connect with others. 
​

Dish on the first kiss!
Our first kiss happened on our first date. after texting and face timing daily for three months we finally met each other at the airport in London UK. We had never seen each other before in real life so we were pretty nervous. We saw each other in the hallway and hugged each other. I was still nervous. We took our luggage and went in the elevator to get out of the airport. We were kinda shy and didn't talk a lot yet but then he turned around and took my face in his strong hands and just kissed me. it was the best and most beautiful and perfect kiss ever! I was still so surprised, but I wasn't nervous anymore. From this moment on, I knew he was the one.

Curator's Note:  *heart melting* 

Where do you live now? 
He lives in Los Angeles and I still live in Switzerland.

Curator's Note:  I know it's far but stay strong kids, if you believe in this, one day you'll find yourselves in the same zip code somewhere in this great big world of ours. 

Have you learned each other's languages?
I speak English fluently and he is learning German.

Curator's Note: God help him. Haha, just kidding, it's completely possible but I know German is always one of those ones that learners tend to be intimidated by, at least at the beginning. 

Any advice for mixed/long-distance couples?
No matter what anyone else says, If you both love each other, its all that counts!

Curator's Note:  Oh and people will say many a thing to dissuade you in long-distance, inter-cultural relationships that's for sure. It's funny that as a culture we like to retweet #LoveWins but then are so skeptical of its power in the face of distance or any other minute challenge. 

Submitted by Sonja. 

Here's how you can connect with them:
Instagram and YouTube:

A huge, heartfelt thanks to Sonja and Ricky for sharing their love story with us.
​Vi auguro tante belle cose. xoxo

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at all of the  Love Story Lunedì. 
There are so many amazing stories to read so make sure you're all caught up. And should you want to share your own story or know of a couple who would, please get in touch. The majority of these stories have been brought to me through word-of-mouth, so let's keep spreading the love. 

Here are our past Love Stories in no particular order: 
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Loriana and Giancarlo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Nina and Enzo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chiara and Andrea
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Marlena and Fernando
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sherry and Andre
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Faith and Valerio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bianca and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Paula and Pontus
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alicha and Dennis
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Arachi and Ciro
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Genia and Mattia
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Amanda and Michelangelo​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Carmela and Paolo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Evelyn and Fabio​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Margarita and Andrea​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Viki and Que
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Athena and André
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rosa and Rocco
​​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Hayley and Mike
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Philippa and Nick
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Camie and Marco
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alannah and Eros​​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Cheyenne and Giulio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jade and Daniele
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chloe and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Coral and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rachel and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Daria and Francesco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Briana and Dami
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kayla and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sarah and Michele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bailey and Carlo​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Gregory and Stefania
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sofie and Emilio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Isabel and David
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Tiffany and Adam
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kristie and Graziano
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Maddie and Gio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Lauren and Luigi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rebecca and Leonardo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennifer and James

Believe it or not, there is a dark side to life in Italy and it has less to do with the lack of clothes dryers than you might predict. Everyone tends to think about the positives when moving to Italy and I fully encourage that, keep your thoughts on the sunny side of the street and I guarantee you will succeed. However, I do not guarantee that you will be blissfully happy without interruption. I do not guarantee that there won’t be hard moments or challenges because that’s what I want to address in today’s post.
 
If you’re reading this post and thinking of moving to Italy, I want you to really be honest with yourself about the move because it is not going to be a wee bit harder than you expected, it’s going to be a shit ton harder than you expected. The number one thing you must be prepared for is feeling isolated. Feeling isolated is something no one talks about or they talk about it when it’s already too late and return tickets have been booked and damage deposits requested. YOU ARE GOING TO FEEL ISOLATED. And it’s not a fun feeling. You are going to feel like the outcast in the cafeteria, the one no one wants to sit with. Over time, you might even make it to the cool kids table but there will be moments that you don’t understand the conversation, where you laugh along with their jokes but you’re really thinking to yourself “I didn’t get it….”. There will be times you're a first-generation immigrant at lunch and everyone is sneering at the strange ethnic food your mom packed for you, laughing at anything that doesn't resemble a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a juice box. 
 
This is not only a language thing even though language is a huge part of it. It is unfortunately also a cultural thing, you must be prepared to be put in situations you’ve never had to react to before and you’re not going to know where to step. You’ll fall a lot and not only literally on the cobblestones that seem to devour expensive high heels for lunch. You will make friends and you might lose some. You might start off with celebrity status like many expats do, only to lose favor as your newness erodes like Paris Hilton’s popularity. Or it may go the other way, you may wiggle your way into the hearts of the locals after days, months, or years. So what is the take home message today you ask? 
 
All I am saying is that Italy is worth it if you want it to be but please come prepared with the idea that you will have moments of desperation too, just like any non-expat would, because life is life wherever you are and Italy is not a magical cure that rids life of rain clouds, static cling, and that hysteria-inducing moment when there's still some prosecco in your glass and the waiter takes it away. Nope, Italy is not the magic cure. Italy is just the provider of tools to enjoy it to the max and not everyone knows how to use what she gives you and that's ok too. Maybe you need another country/language/culture's tools and my wish for you is that you find it. 

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​The Loss of Home:  Why Living Abroad Fucks You Over For Life
​Revelations: To Think of Love in English
​Creative Writing: Call Me Baby 
​A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Hate Living in Italy
​My Hypothetical Italian Teenagers Won't Have Varsity Jackets or Homecomings
​My Canadian Identity Abroad in Italy: The Conundrum
FIVE Ways I've Become More ITALIAN in Canada
​Annoying Things Non-Canadians Say About Canada 
​Two Sides of the Italy Coin 
​Dating Diversity: Italy vs. Canada (and North America)
​Daily Things I Never Did Before Moving to Italy
​
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at these ones or at the Expat Life category on the sidebar. Happy Reading! 

ALOHA! If you follow me on other social media, you'd know I've just come back from a wonderful stint in Hawaii visiting my mom and grandma and drinking all the coconuts. Sorry to leave ya'll so love-deprived over Valentine's week and all. But I'll make it up to you today because we're back with another love story today and it features a Canadian and Italian...sounds familiar eh? Loriana was working in a bar in Termoli when her friend Michele showed up with a blue-eyed hunk...*hunka hunka burning love*. She found out his name was Giovanni Carlo and basically had the same reaction as Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun when she first asks Marcello his name, it went something like "...of course it is". Of course handsome Giovanni Carlo walked into the bar and the rest is history. Actually no because these two love birds JUST GOT MARRIED! After 13 years together and 7 years of living under the same roof, Giancarlo and Loriana got married on July 28th, 2018 and she made a stunning bride at 60 to prove that love stories can happen at any moment in life, even when it's late in the game (ok, I quoted Under The Tuscan Sun again, I'll just stop now). 

​Where are you from and where is your significant other from?
​I am from Montreal, Canada and Giancarlo (Giovanni Carlo) is from San Martino in Pensilis but was born in Juvisy in France.

Curator's Note:  Three cheers for Canada! Hey girl heyyyyy...!! 

Where and when did you meet your significant other? 
We met in 2005 when I was working at a bar in Termoli (in the region of Molise).

Who made the first move? 
Well let’s say me...because he came in with a friend of mine Michele, so I called Michele the next day and said, "Next time you come with a good-looking guy please advise me!". 

Curator's Note:  Oh I love it, you totally made the first move! 

Where did you think he was originally from?
I knew he was Italian...good-looking and well-mannered.

Curator's Note:  I hope that there are very few Italian men that read this blog because they're all going to end up rather high on themselves, look at all this praise they get! 

What was your first impression of her/him?
Wow, his eyes...blue like the Mediterranean Sea. When he spoke he was gentle but what hit me was that he was a  man... Not pretentious, kind, and he was smart, he is well learnt in art, history, and culture so we can talk for hours on so many topics.

Curator's Note:  This is a common underlying theme again, just growing up in Italy and having all the art, history, and culture as part of the educational norm really sets these guys up for success if I do say so myself. 

Dish on the first kiss!
That was such a long time ago, but it was after a few dates...One evening when we had gone out for dinner he kissed me like usual but then he looked into my eyes put his hand in the back of my head as though not to let me get away and kissed me with such passion that I felt his love. 

Curator's Note:  That sound you just heard was the sound of a million girls swooning and a few fainting onto concrete sidewalks. Oh who doesn't want to be kissed like that....! 
​
Where do you live now? 
We live in San Martino in Pensilis, (Molise) because Giancarlo is an Architect and has his studio there.

Curator's Note: I have never visited that area but I would love to. 

Have you learned each other's languages?
I knew a little Italian but mostly dialect but living in Italy I picked it up easily, Giancarlo who worked in Bosnia with Americans and Canadians understands English and speaks it let’s say “good” for an Italian! 

Curator's Note: "Good" for Italian is already great! 

Any advice for mixed/long-distance couples?
I think it’s important to understand where he is from, if he is from a small town and is of a certain age and/or has a specific job then don’t expect him to move! I was living in Termoli for example, and that has a population of 45,000 thousand people...one day I asked him, "why don’t you move your office to Termoli’” he said, "no, my life is here in Molise and my contacts and my work etc". Thus it’s important to accept and understand where they are from. 

Submitted by Loriana. 

A huge, heartfelt thanks to Loriana and Giancarlo for sharing their love story with us.
​Vi auguro tante belle cose. xoxo

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at all of the  Love Story Lunedì. 
There are so many amazing stories to read so make sure you're all caught up. And should you want to share your own story or know of a couple who would, please get in touch. The majority of these stories have been brought to me through word-of-mouth, so let's keep spreading the love. 

Here are our past Love Stories in no particular order: 
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Nina and Enzo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chiara and Andrea
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Marlena and Fernando
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sherry and Andre
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Faith and Valerio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bianca and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Paula and Pontus
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alicha and Dennis
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Arachi and Ciro
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Genia and Mattia
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Amanda and Michelangelo​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Carmela and Paolo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Evelyn and Fabio​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Margarita and Andrea​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Viki and Que
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Athena and André
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rosa and Rocco
​​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Hayley and Mike
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Philippa and Nick
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Camie and Marco
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alannah and Eros​​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Cheyenne and Giulio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jade and Daniele
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chloe and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Coral and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rachel and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Daria and Francesco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Briana and Dami
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kayla and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sarah and Michele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bailey and Carlo​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Gregory and Stefania
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sofie and Emilio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Isabel and David
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Tiffany and Adam
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kristie and Graziano
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Maddie and Gio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Lauren and Luigi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rebecca and Leonardo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennifer and James

Dear readers and fellow Dolce Vita Bloggers, I apologize profusely for the tardiness of this post. As many of you know who follow my Instagram or my Facebook page, I was away these past two weeks in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii. I do hope you'll forgive me! This is the second month of the 2019 edition of our Italy lovers linkup and as it is February, the (optional) prompt was "romance in Italy". Well goodness me, I could write an encyclopedia on that topic if you gave me the time. Love, romance, dating, and relationships as they play out in Italy or with Italians is pretty much my favorite thing to talk about. From Love Story Lunedì to the Kiss and Tell series to foreigners asking for dating advice with Italians through Dear Jasmine, I have certainly contributed a fair share of first-hand experiences to the ever-popular conversation. And yet, it comes up time and time again, another person that has fallen for an Italian, another soul readying themselves for a move to Italy, another ding in my inbox asking me for advice. Why is it that the Italians are doing everything right and the rest of us look like toddlers scrambling around in this game called love? Well the first thing is that gender roles still take the driver's seat which is often not the case over the Atlantic. We want so much to be considered equal that nowadays it's common to go Dutch or have the woman pay for a date. I have absolutely zero qualms about this, I don't see any reason why a bill can't be split or why a woman shouldn't pay BUT I have to state that the old-fashioned expectation where men pay and open doors and bring flowers and ride up to your house on a white horse is still very much alive and well in Italy and we, as women raised on romantic comedies, eat it all up. We eat that right up and lick the plate when we're done. It's such a stark contrast from what many of us are used to that we're often besotted after the first date. Italians tend to be very forward and flirtatious as well, they are raised to praise beautiful things and run after what they like and are persisent until they get what they want. This attribute goes both ways as some of us find it flattering and others find it overwhelming and overly intense. Personally, I find this quality endearing and a breath of fresh air from North American dating tactics that include avoiding eye contact with someone until you're both too drunk to even focus by the end of the night followed by one person waking up in a stranger's bed and doing the walk of shame home. The courting stage is integral too as Italians on the whole, love to be coddled and I think a majority of them have Words of Affirmation as their primary or secondary love language (although sex is obviously the primary for the men as it is for most of the XY chromosome). They are really good at staying in touch with the person they are currently trying to woo, sending messages and reminders that they're "pensando a te" (thinking of you) throughout their day. Another thing that Italians are really into is PDA, public displays of affection. They make out all over the place, any time of day, in every age range. You'll have noticed this if you've travelled Italy. I have literally seen teenagers making out with tongue while standing over a grave (presumably a family member's) in a cemetery on a Sunday morning. You'll also notice that both boys and girls alike are very public with their romances. Instagram accounts are full of kissing shots with Rome in the background or those birthday dedication posts with captions of "auguri amore mio" followed by hashtag-the number of months or days the couple has been together and a string of heart emojis. Of course Italy has a part to play as well, the country herself is the ultimate mood-setter. Italy is more of an aphrodisiac than that stint that Kanye did for Kim with the standing single roses blanketing the floor of a room where Kenny G was playing his sex-o-phone. Oops, I meant sax. Sax-o-phone. So when it comes to the preliminaries in love, the first six months to a year, the Italians are steller. I do, however, have to mention that they don't have the best fidelity rates. Italy constantly scores terribly in any survey or research ever done on cheating. This is one area where perhaps they could make some improvements...! I'm curious if any of you readers might have thoughts on this so please leave a comment and thanks for reading my little addition to the Dolce Vita Bloggers for the month of February.

This is part of the#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #13 February 2019.
​We are looking forward to another year of this wonderful community. Our goal is to connect over our shared love of Italy. Thank you all who have participated before, and those who join in the future!
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below!
​
Past #DolceVitaBlogger Link-Ups:
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #12 January 2019
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #11 October 2018 – Hilarious Travel Mishaps
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #10 September 2018 – Favourite Italian Recipe
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #9 August 2018 - Culture Shock
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #8 July 2018 - La Dolce Vita
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #7 June 2018 - Hidden Gems in Italy
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #6 May 2018 - Five Italian Words
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #5 April 2018 - The Perfect Day in Italy
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #4 March 2018 - International Women's Day
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #3 February 2018 - A Love Letter to Italy
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #2 January 2018 - Favourite Italian City
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #1 December 2017 - 'The Italian Connection

Hey lovers, sorry I'm late this week. I'm actually typing this out while watching the first night of the Sanremo Festival. If you're not Italian or living in Italy, it's a music competition strictly in Italian and I absolutely adore it. Today I'm showcasing a couple that are very close to me, in a geographical sense as well as emotional one because Enzo is a BERGAMASCO. I want to know what's in the water in Bergamo. Seriously. On this series, I think I've featured a handful of couples with Bergamo Boys and in addition to these, I know another handful that I haven't been able to feature due to privacy issues. You can read them here:

​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide

What can I say, the girls love the immensely sexy accent from this region of Italy I suppose (this is very hilarious if you're familiar with dialects and accents because the one from Bergamo is quite strong and distinctive and not exactly regarded as "sexy" by most listeners!). Anyways, our Enzo stole the heart of Nina, an all-American girl from Illinois. They met in Bergamo of all places, while she was studying abroad for a summer. Who knew that studying abroad is like code for "falling in love with an Italian"?! This is a fun post because it was actually submitted by Enzo, so it's always fun to have the male perspective on a love story. I had the chance to meet up with these two when she was in town visiting Enzo and I'm honored to be able to feature them! Read on! 

​Where are you from and where is your significant other from?
I’m from Bergamo, Italy and Nina is from Illinois, USA but now lives in Florida aka the Sunshine State. 

Where and when did you meet your significant other? 
We met at the University of Bergamo where Nina was studying abroad for a summer. We had friends in each other classes and we would all hang out together. Almost 4 years ago, time sure flies! 

Curator's Note:  I always considered Bergamo such a small place but in truth, there are tons of international students that come and go. Time flies when you're having fun kids! Definitely a good sign. 

Who made the first move? 
I made the first move one night at a outside party on the wall of Città Alta. I asked her to dance. Oh gosh, I remember I was so embarrassed! 

Curator's Note:  Again, it's like your Italian boy DUTY Enzo. I wouldn't have published this story if you hadn't made the first move. I love this asking her to dance thing though. You don't get that so much as a first move anymore hey?

Where did you think SHE was originally from?
Nina was the foreigner, but I already knew she was American because of the university program. Definitely her look did not resemble an Italian girl.

Curator's Note:  I am so immensely curious about what you mean by that last line. 

What was your first impression of her/him?
Nina: My first impression of Enzo was that he was a “player”. He talked to EVERYONE so I thought he was flirting with all the girls (maybe he was ).

Enzo: My first impression of Nina was difficult to describe. I really wanted to talk to her but at first she looked kinda of introverted and it took me a while to ask her for her phone number. The more I talked to her, the more I wanted to know more about this girl. I got compelled by her smile, so natural and contagious. 

Curator's Note:  Nina, your description is cracking me up but I could definitely see that about Enzo. He's incredibly sociable although he's Italian so maybe he WAS flirting with everyone. 

Dish on the first kiss!
Ah the first kiss! It is said you can’t forget the first kiss. In our occasion, our friends took a sneak picture of us kissing for the first time. It happened in Città Alta at the party that we danced at.

Curator's Note:  OMFG so you actually have this photo, this moment captured in time forever?! That is going to be perfect for your wedding slideshow...! 
​
Where do you live now? 
We are still long-distance for a few more months after almost four years. I live in Bergamo, Nina lives in Miami. I will move to the USA soon!! (TBD what city!)

Curator's Note: I can't wait to find out which US city you choose!

Have you learned each other's languages?
I knew English before we met but I have improved, and I lost most of my British accent (I’m slightly turning American but I don’t want to admit it). Nina is slowly learning Italian. She’s getting better and better and I’m sure she will be able to speak it soon. 

Curator's Note: What's wrong with an American accent?! I'm mildly offended hehe. I'll just have you know that whenever I'm in London, I always get complimented on my Canadian accent! 

Any advice for mixed/long-distance couples?
Our advice is simple: talk about everything and be each other’s support. If you’re long distance try to make time for phone calls every day if you can, talking to each other is important.

Be open to their ideas. There’s not one right way to do most things. We are still learning this one!


Submitted by Enzo. 

Here's how you can connect with them:
Instagram: ,  
Blog: www.theitalianguest.com 

A huge, heartfelt thanks to Nina and Enzo for sharing their love story with us.
​Vi auguro tante belle cose. xoxo

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at all of the  Love Story Lunedì. 
There are so many amazing stories to read so make sure you're all caught up. And should you want to share your own story or know of a couple who would, please get in touch. The majority of these stories have been brought to me through word-of-mouth, so let's keep spreading the love. 

Here are our past Love Stories in no particular order: 
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chiara and Andrea
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Marlena and Fernando
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sherry and Andre
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Faith and Valerio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bianca and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Paula and Pontus
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alicha and Dennis
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Arachi and Ciro
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Genia and Mattia
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Amanda and Michelangelo​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Carmela and Paolo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Evelyn and Fabio​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Margarita and Andrea​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Viki and Que
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Athena and André
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rosa and Rocco
​​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Hayley and Mike
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Philippa and Nick
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Camie and Marco
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alannah and Eros​​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Cheyenne and Giulio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jade and Daniele
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chloe and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Coral and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rachel and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Daria and Francesco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Briana and Dami
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kayla and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sarah and Michele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bailey and Carlo​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Gregory and Stefania
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sofie and Emilio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Isabel and David
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Tiffany and Adam
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kristie and Graziano
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Maddie and Gio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Lauren and Luigi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rebecca and Leonardo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennifer and James

Welcome back lovers, we're at the start of a new week and I'm so excited to be sharing today's love story with you. This is a testament to the digital age, the age of Instagram in particular because Chiara and I came to know each other through Instagram and coincidentally, it's the same way she met an Italian boy named Andrea while she was studying "abroad" in Siena with Erasmus. Why did I just say "abroad" with quotations? Well in case you didn't notice, Chiara is an Italian name and Chiara is in fact, ITALIAN, her parents are both Italian but she was born and raised in Germany. Andrea is a born and raised Tuscan (my favorite!). After connecting on Instagram, the two had one of those magical Italian summers. She didn't actually tell me this but I can imagine it because Tuscany at the height of summer is pure magic - it's sunsets over terracotta roofs, that golden light that only exists in Siena and the Val d'Orcia that pours into the piazza and drips into the narrow backstreets, everything is gilded and everyone is drunk on Rosso di Montepluciano and you can't escape the romance, it's just the best moments of life, period. I think I could fall in love with a rock if you just give me a July evening in Tuscany, a sunset, and a bottle of Brunello. Let's get on with it and find out the love story behind this pair of dark-haired stunners. 

​Where are you from and where is your significant other from? 
I’m Italian, but I was born in Stuttgart, Germany (I’m living in Germany). Andrea is from Piombino, Tuscany. He studied law in Pisa and moved back to Piombino.

Where and when did you meet your significant other? 
He wrote me on Instagram in in the middle of July. He came to visit me in Siena on the 28th of July (I lived in Siena for one year, studying abroad/Erasmus).

Curator's Note:  Hip-hip-hooray, three cheers for Instagram and its underlying matchmaking abilities!

Who made the first move? 
He did. We wrote for a few weeks and he wanted to meet me immediately, but I had exams in July., so he had to wait to meet me personally! He was always very interested and wanted to call me and talk.

Curator's Note:  ...but of course he did, otherwise he wouldn't be Italian right? 

Where did you think he was originally from?
He first didn’t understand why I’m Italian  although I was born in Germany. But since my parents are both Italian I got the Italian nationality/passport and never took the German one. Also it was confusing for him that I studied "abroad“  in my home country, haha. But I missed Italy and always wanted to live in Italy. Also studying art history in Italy became even more important for me, because I fell in love with Italian Art.

Curator's Note:  This made me giggle. I just find in general that Italians seem to struggle with the concept of people being born in countries that don't align with their actual ethnicity. I've had to explain so many times and go back so many generations in my family to explain how I was born in Canada and not an Asian country! However, how lucky you are to be able to have to many cultures and languages to call "home". 

What was your first impression of him?
I really liked the sound of his voice and how he looked at me, no one ever looked at me like he did. I was really impressed by the feeling he was giving me, it felt like we knew each other already.

Curator's Note:  I hear this one time and time again which really leads me to want to do some kind of research as to why and how Italian boys are so good at LOOKING AT THINGS. Do ya'll think it's because they've grown up being taught to appreciate beautiful things and are constantly surrounded by beauty so they're just experts at staring? Someone please do a thesis on this. 

Dish on the first kiss!
Well our first kiss was an accident. He came to Siena by train and I was picking him up at the train station. I saw him and said "ciao" and we kissed each others' cheeks, just the traditional Italian Cheek Kissing. Normally you lean first to he left and then to the right, but I was kind of excited and confused left and right! That’s when our accidental kiss happened. He just smiled  and said that he liked this kind of greeting and kissed me again.

Curator's Note:  Oh goodness, I ADORED THIS. I feel like I can picture exactly how this happened. I love how the Italian cheek kiss gets you up close and personal with everyone and almost lends itself to happy mistakes such as this one! 
​

Where do you live now? 
Right now I am living in Heidelberg and he lives in Piombino but he wants to move to Germany in March until I finish my Bachelor studies.

Have you learned each other's languages?
He’s taking German lessons to get prepared for moving to Germany. It’s very hard for him but I try to help him as well as I can. 

Curator's Note: Wishing him a huge "in bocca al lupo", I've heard of German being such a challenge, but as we know from these love stories, love is the best motivation to learn a language! 
​
Any advice for mixed/long-distance couples?
​Face-Time as much as you can, we do it almost every day and also spontaneously without having Face-Time-Dates. That helps us to integrate each other in every day life.

Submitted by Chiara. 

Here's how you can connect with them:
Instagram: @chiequestachiara, (Andrea)
Facebook: Chiara Rappazzo

A huge, heartfelt thanks to Chiara and Andrea for sharing their love story with us.
​Vi auguro tante belle cose. xoxo

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at all of the  Love Story Lunedì. 
There are so many amazing stories to read so make sure you're all caught up. And should you want to share your own story or know of a couple who would, please get in touch. The majority of these stories have been brought to me through word-of-mouth, so let's keep spreading the love. 

Here are our past Love Stories in no particular order: 
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Marlena and Fernando
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sherry and Andre
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Faith and Valerio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bianca and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Paula and Pontus
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alicha and Dennis
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Arachi and Ciro
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Genia and Mattia
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Amanda and Michelangelo​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Carmela and Paolo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Evelyn and Fabio​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Margarita and Andrea​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Viki and Que
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Athena and André
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rosa and Rocco
​​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Hayley and Mike
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Philippa and Nick
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Camie and Marco
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alannah and Eros​​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Cheyenne and Giulio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jade and Daniele
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chloe and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Coral and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rachel and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Daria and Francesco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Briana and Dami
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kayla and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sarah and Michele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bailey and Carlo​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Gregory and Stefania
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sofie and Emilio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Isabel and David
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Tiffany and Adam
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kristie and Graziano
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Maddie and Gio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Lauren and Luigi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rebecca and Leonardo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennifer and James

So today is January 21st, the so-called "saddest day of the year", otherwise referred to as Blue Monday. But, ladies and gentleman, you've come to the right place at the right time because it's Love Story Lunedì and I've got something rather unique in store for you. This story I'm about to share was not submitted to me, but rather, it is the real-life love story of author Malena de Blasi. The 66 year old American writer and chef was born in New York and was living in Saint Louis when a routine trip to Venice would change her life forever. On November 6th, 1993, she would find herself sitting with friends at a local bar, sipping Amarone when a stranger called asking to speak to her. The stranger ends up being a Venetian named Fernando who had noticed Malena not only on this trip, but on a past occasion that she was in Venice nearly a year ago. She speaks mainly culinary Italian, he speaks even less English but yet eighteen days after their fated meeting, Fernando arrives in Saint Louis, USA. The two are now married and living in Orvieto, Italy.  She writes about their meeting and her eventual move to Venice and their wedding in one of my all-time favorite books about Italy: A Thousand Days in Venice. The photos I've included are of my actual book, it's been read probably a thousand times and every other page is dog-earred. This book is particularly close to my heart as it in many ways "accompanied" me on my own journey in preparing to move to Italy, I even gave it to my husband to read. As all of you probably know, I'm a sucker for a love story and this is without a doubt, the ultimate grown-up love story. Read on lovers. 

NB: I did not interview Malena for this feature, the answers come from what you, as a reader, would be able to divulge from her book. I thought it would be a fun twist on the prompt for this month's Dolce Vita Bloggers linkup which was "your favorite Italian book or book about Italy". For more information about the linkup, click the LINKUP option in the Top Menu. To add your own link, scroll down to the bottom and click the blue button and follow the instructions. 

​Where are you from and where is your significant other from? 
I am from Saint Louis, Missouri and Fernando is from Venice, Italy. 

Where and when did you meet your significant other? 
We met in November 1993 in Venice. He called me multiple times at a Vino Vino, despite always being there in person, he could never work up the nerve to approach me face-to-face. Instead, he would leave the restaurant and call and ask to talk to me. He would ask me in very studied English something along the lines of " Is it possible for you to meet me tomorrow, alone?". I would always respond no but on my last morning in Venice, I finally decide to meet him and it was magic. I found out that he had seen me in Venice last December in Piazza San Marco when he described to perfection my long white winter coat. 

Who made the first move? 
Fernando did of course, with all the persistence of a typical Italian! He absolutely wouldn't take no for an answer and luckily that was the case otherwise we wouldn't be where we are today. 

Where did you think he was originally from?
I knew he was Italian due to his extremely formal and almost school-like English he used on the phone with me. 

What was your first impression of him?
That he looked like Peter Sellers! I really noticed the blue of his eyes and how he is all at once, both shy and familiar to me. 

Dish on the first kiss!
Five hours have passed since I left the hotel. I call my friends who are still waiting there, and I vow to meet them and my baggage directly at the airport. The last flight to Naples is at seven-twenty. The Grand Canal is improbably empty, free of the usual tangle of skiffs and gondolas and sandoli, permitting the tassista to race his water taxi, lurching it, slamming it down brutally onto the water. Peter Sellers and I stand outside in the wind and ride into a lowering, dark red sun. I pull a silver flask from my purse and a tiny, thin glass from a velvet pouch. I pour out cognac and we sip together. Again, he looks as if he's going to kiss me, and this time he does- temples, eyelids, before he finds my mouth. We're not too old. 

(excerpt from Chapter One of A Thousand Days in Venice)

Where do you live now? 
We live in Orvieto, Italy. 

Have you learned each other's languages?
Yes we have, although we tend to speak in Italian when we're together. 

Any advice for mixed/long-distance couples?
Close the distance as quickly as you can, if you hearts are in it, you will find a way to overcome all the difficulties. There will be doubts and doubters. I left my children behind in America and it was one of most heart-wrenching of decisions. "I knew the difference between going off to university, knowing that home is few hundred miles away, and having one's mother dissolve that home to go and live in Europe. Now home would be six thousand miles away, not accessible on long weekends.". 

This is part of the #DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #12 January 2019.
​We are looking forward to another year of this wonderful community. Our goal is to connect over our shared love of Italy. Thank you all who have participated before, and those who join in the future!
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below!
​
Past #DolceVitaBlogger Link-Ups:
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #11 October 2018 – Hilarious Travel Mishaps
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup – #10 September 2018 – Favourite Italian Recipe
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #9 August 2018 - Culture Shock
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #8 July 2018 - La Dolce Vita
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #7 June 2018 - Hidden Gems in Italy
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #6 May 2018 - Five Italian Words
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #5 April 2018 - The Perfect Day in Italy
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #4 March 2018 - International Women's Day
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #3 February 2018 - A Love Letter to Italy
#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #2 January 2018 - Favourite Italian City
​#DolceVitaBloggers Linkup - #1 December 2017 - 'The Italian Connection

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at all of the  Love Story Lunedì. 
There are so many amazing stories to read so make sure you're all caught up. And should you want to share your own story or know of a couple who would, please get in touch. The majority of these stories have been brought to me through word-of-mouth, so let's keep spreading the love. 

Here are our past Love Stories in no particular order: 
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sherry and Andre
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Faith and Valerio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bianca and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Paula and Pontus
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alicha and Dennis
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Arachi and Ciro
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Genia and Mattia
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Amanda and Michelangelo​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Carmela and Paolo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Evelyn and Fabio​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Margarita and Andrea​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Viki and Que
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Athena and André
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rosa and Rocco
​​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Hayley and Mike
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Philippa and Nick
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Camie and Marco
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alannah and Eros​​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Cheyenne and Giulio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jade and Daniele
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chloe and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Coral and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rachel and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Daria and Francesco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Briana and Dami
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kayla and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sarah and Michele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bailey and Carlo​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Gregory and Stefania
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sofie and Emilio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Isabel and David
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Tiffany and Adam
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kristie and Graziano
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Maddie and Gio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Lauren and Luigi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rebecca and Leonardo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennifer and James

Introduction: This series is called "Ciao For Now" where I'm doing something a little unconventional- chatting with former expats who lived in Italy at some point in their life and ultimately left. We see so many blogs and stories about people who are currently living the fabled "dolce vita", but what about the ones who made the leap and then said "ciao for now", "arrivederci Roma", "alla prossima"? Being a naturally curious person, I see a ton of potential in making these stories known. Being an expat is not easy for anyone and sometimes I think Italy might be one of the hardest places to adjust to and I think that opening up this topic to discussion will hopefully help some of you who are maybe in a dilemma at the moment whether considering moving here or moving away from here. This is a series for all of us who have ever had a dream, lived it, and found a new one. It's a series for you, you with the little sing-song voice in your head saying- should I stay or should I go?
​

Introduce yourself.
My name is Martha Miller. I grew up in a small town in Arkansas and always dreamed of living in a big city and traveling the world. I had hardly been out of the state when I graduated from the University of Arkansas, but now I’ve lived in San Antonio, Houston, and Austin, Texas, Rome, Italy, and Syracuse, NY and travelled to 12 countries. I’ve also been lucky to have held jobs that had me traveling to all parts of the United States.

When and where did you live in Italy? 
My husband and I lived in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood from 2001 to 2003. We moved there two weeks before 9/11. We didn’t have any close friends or relatives in Italy, and we didn’t speak the language yet. We knew moving abroad would be life changing, but we didn’t know how much the world would be changing too.  

What brought you there? 
John wanted to go to back to school to finish his degree and chose to study International Affairs. We both had a desire to live abroad, so he started researching English-language, degree-granting universities. We decided on John Cabot University in Rome. It would take 21 months for John to finish, which gave us a solid time frame to work with. We could then figure out how much money we needed to cover tuition and housing, groceries and other living expenses. I wanted to live in one place and get to know my neighbors and to understand what their lives were like. In the beginning, I made learning to speak Italian my full-time job.

What made you leave? 
We would have loved to stay, but we had finished the 21-month plan and needed to start making money again. Also, John decided to follow up with graduate school in Syracuse, New York, so we moved there for 14 months, and I went back to work. 

Where are you now? 
We live in San Antonio, Texas and have a 13-year-old son. Coincidentally, John works for a sister school of John Cabot University. I became a freelance writer while living in Rome, and recently published a book about our adventure titled, “Times New Roman: How We Quit Our Jobs, Gave Away Our Stuff & Moved to Italy.”

Any regrets? 
None! We would do it all over again tomorrow if we could. 

Do you think you'd ever return to Italy? 
Yes. We took our son to visit Italy this summer. He absolutely loved it and told us, “I could live in Italy forever!” We’re trying to figure out a way to give him that living-abroad experience before he gets too much older. 

What's the one thing you miss the most about Italy? 
Not what you’d probably guess. I had a level of independence in Italy that I miss. I could walk right out of our door and hit the cobblestone streets and be in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. I could walk everywhere! Rome is a very walkable city, a gorgeous city and public transit is also very convenient so we didn’t need a car. I also felt safe walking anywhere I wanted to go. Being a city girl at heart, it was my dream come true!

What would you say to someone thinking of moving to Italy?
Take me with you!!!!  Okay, seriously, I’d say go now and don’t overthink it. Our regrets in life will be about the things we could have done, but didn’t. When we were trying to decide if we should take the chance or not, I kept thinking, “Two years are going to go by anyway. How am I going to feel in two years if we don’t take this opportunity? What about in twenty years?” Happily, we will never have to ask ourselves these questions.

What would you say to someone leaving Italy?
You will probably think of Italy as home in many ways for the rest of your life. That’s not a bad thing, and it’s a great excuse to go back often to visit. I like to say we need to visit once a year to keep in touch with our adopted Italian heritage. While maybe not technically of Italian descent, shouldn’t 21 months count for something? Certo!

About the Writer:
Martha is the author of Times New Roman available at  Barnes & Noble and many other bookstores. Book website: http://timesnewromanbook.com
You can learn more about her on her blog Martha Miller Writes: http://marthamillerwrites.com. 
Follow her on Twitter:

Grazie mille Martha for being part of this series. Dear readers, keep an eye out for more additions to this series, and more importantly, if you would like to share your story, send me an e-mail! 
​

​If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at these ones or at the Expat Life
category on the sidebar. 

Past Ciao For Now posts:
Ciao For Now: Estrella of La Casabloga
​
Popular Posts on Dating and Relationships in Italy:
​How to Lose an Italian Guy in 10 Days
The Differences Between Dating an Italian and a Canadian
​What Do Italian Men Married to Non-Italian Women Have in Common?
Why Are There So Many American Girls with Italian Boys?
​Why We Love Italian Boys
​The Double Standard Between Italian Street Harassment and American
​Can Men and Women Be Friends? Here's How My Italian Colleagues Responded
Dating Diversity: Italy vs. Canada (and North America)
Cross-Cultural Dating: My First Jaw-Drop Moment with an Italian 
Italian Men: The Unofficial Guide for Wives and Girlfriends
How to Snag (and Keep) an Italian Man 
Asians and Italians…The Perfect Cross-Cultural Cocktail? ​​

Popular Posts about Language Struggles:
​How to Fight and Make Love in Two Languages
​Immunity to Accent Attractiveness: Can the Italian Accent Stop Being Sexy?
The English Stare and Getting "Englished" Living Abroad and How To Deal
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​

Welcome back to Monday, clearly the best day of the week. Today we have a short story but that doesn't make it any less sweet. Sometimes I curse technology for taking away so much of our time interacting face-to-face but other times, I can't believe how much it has shaped the evolution of love stories. Back in the day, you met someone from your small town, maybe the boy-next-door or the butcher's son, or someone from the farm next to yours or if you were really progressive, the TOWN next to yours...but now, you can fall in love with someone a world away without ever having met in real-life. It's so romantic in a way because if you really think about it, technology has brought us back to the very roots of romance - the written word. It all starts that way and when you're long distance, it continues that way until one person moves their life across an ocean. I digress. Sherry and Andre met on the language-learning app, HelloTalk (or as I like to refer to it "International Tinder"). What started out as a boy perfecting English and a girl improving Italian turned into today's love story. She's a gorgeous California girl, he was raised in Emilia-Romagna. Read on lovers. 

​Where are you from and where is your significant other from? 
I’m from California! My boyfriend is from Emilia-Romagna in Italy! He lives about an hour away from Bologna if you’re familiar with that place. 

Curator's Note:  How can someone NOT be familiar with Bologna, land of everything delicious?!

Where and when did you meet your significant other? 
We met early October 2017. I had been taking Italian in high school for two years and I wanted to keep improving because I planned to go travel throughout Italy. I remembered I had heard of this app called HelloTalk. It’s an app where you meet people that are fluent in the language you’re learning so you can help each other. I found him on there and we started talking everyday. 

Curator's Note:  You must be one of the first girls in this series to have taken Italian in HIGH SCHOOL. Brava, brava, bravissima. Seriously, I WISH I had the chance to take it in high school (I took good 'ol French). I also think that Hellotalk is secretly a kind of Tinder for international hookups.  I know of a few couples who met on it...! Insanity. 

Who made the first move? 
I’m not sure actually! We kind of just started getting closer and then eventually we figured we should just call it a relationship since we felt as if we were in one already. 

Curator's Note:  So heart-warming how language learning can turn into love! 

Where did you think he was originally from?
Well I thought my boyfriend was Italian when we first met but he later told me that he was actually born in Romania but came to Italy when he was 1. 

Curator's Note: Oh so you've really got two different cultures and possibly even languages to learn about right? Lucky you! 

What was your first impression of him?
My first impression of Andre was that he was so sweet and he seemed to care about everything I said. And to this day I still think those things of him. He is the most sweet and kind boyfriend! 

Dish on the first kiss!
Our first kiss was in the San Francisco Airport when we met in person for the first time!

Where do you live now? 
He still lives in Italy and I still live in California but we are planning to live in the same place in the near future. 

Curator's Note: I wish it for you, long-distance has always had so much romantic connotation associated with it but it's really such a challenge that I hope is very short-lived for all my Love Story Lunedì couples. 

Have you learned each other's languages?
I studied Italian in high school for two years so I can speak a bit but I definitely need improvement. Andre speaks fluent English.

Curator's Note:  You are already ahead of the game girl. 

Any advice for mixed/long-distance couples?
It’s definitely not the easiest but it’s so worth it. Just be sure to always communicate and be loving and understanding. It’s so beautiful when two people of different cultures can share their lives with one another. No one said you have to find the love of your life in your own city or even country. If the person you’re meant to be with lives on the other side of the world, you’ll make it work. 

Curators note: I love what you said, let's repeat it for emphasis and put it in italics- "no one said you have to find the love of your life in your own city or even country". Ahhhh, love the way that sounds. 

Submitted by Sherry. 

Here's how you can connect with her:
Instagram: .bear

A huge, heartfelt thanks to Sherry and Andre or sharing their love story with us.
​Vi auguro tante belle cose. xoxo
​
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at all of the  Love Story Lunedì. 
There are so many amazing stories to read so make sure you're all caught up. And should you want to share your own story or know of a couple who would, please get in touch. The majority of these stories have been brought to me through word-of-mouth, so let's keep spreading the love. 

Here are our past Love Stories in no particular order: 
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Faith and Valerio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bianca and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Paula and Pontus
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alicha and Dennis
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Arachi and Ciro
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Genia and Mattia
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Amanda and Michelangelo​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Carmela and Paolo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Evelyn and Fabio​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Margarita and Andrea​
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Viki and Que
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Athena and André
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rosa and Rocco
​​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Hayley and Mike
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Philippa and Nick
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Camie and Marco
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alannah and Eros​​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Cheyenne and Giulio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jade and Daniele
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chloe and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Coral and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rachel and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Daria and Francesco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Briana and Dami
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kayla and Luca
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sarah and Michele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bailey and Carlo​
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Gregory and Stefania
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sofie and Emilio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Isabel and David
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Tiffany and Adam
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kristie and Graziano
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Maddie and Gio
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Lauren and Luigi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rebecca and Leonardo
​LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennifer and James