CONVERSATIONS IN FLORENCE: The Reality of Moving to Italy

Making these episodes alone is very time consuming and expensive and if you would like to support my work, you can find my Patreon page here:
Don't forget to follow me over on Instagram for daily inspiration from Italy and around the world to make you dream, learn a language, cook, travel, move to a foreign country, film, edit or pursue your passion:
You can also find blog posts and information about my work on my site
#Italy #learnItalian #Florence

[DoctorDARKSIDE]

Italy is like a painting which only reveals itself if you are willing to take in its hidden beauty. It is a slow culture, nothing moves faster than it needs to - if you really want to enjoy Italy, the trick is to slow down and do what Italians do best: think. Some of the greatest minds, artists, engineers, architects, designers, writers and more came from Italy purely because they were born in a place that allowed them to think. The Duomo in Firenze, took over 140 years to be completed. So give yourself time, slow down, enjoy Italy. Source: I'm Italian.

[ciaobella]

I really enjoyed this video. I moved here from California in 2013. I am retired now so part of my plan was to buy a cheap house, get permanent residency and live off of my social security, which isn't much. I did all that and I'm managing just fine. I was 64 when I moved here. I have one adult son in California and he never liked this idea of me living in Italy. Now I have a daughter-in-law, two grandsons and I visit them all twice a year. Not this year though. Hopefully Christmas. Every time I visit, at some point, my son will ask me if I'm ready to move "back home" again. I think they want me to babysit haha. But the bottom line is that Italy IS my home, even with all its frustrations and challenges. And I have never regretted it. But I have no idea how to get my son to understand how "home" for me is here. I'm 72 this summer btw, and still healthy and happy, and grateful for it. Thank you Italy.

[kneadsensual]

Italy teaches you how to live. Not tomorrow but now.

[obnov]

I was studying Italian in Florence back in 1984. I remember finishing classes and walking back to my apartment. After crossing the Arno and entering the piazza del Duomo, the heavens opened, and it began to pour! I quickly ducked into the Duomo to wait out the cloud burst. Outside I saw tour groups following their guides, and I reflected on how fortunate I was. Many people save up for their entire lives to be able to come to Italy for a week or two, and I was able to live in this incredible city. I got to stay for a year, leaving with memories for a lifetime. Now I'm back in Italy and enjoying my time here. So many nice memories from the '80s; having to walk to the centro to make an international phone call, pay phones and the gettoni telefonici, and being able to buy pizza by the gram while walking on the street.

[EllaSHeath]

Can I tell you a secret? The loneliness and struggles you felt there is not just Italy but it's the experience of being a foreigner. I know this because I had your exact opposite story: I moved all by myself from Rome to Los Angeles at 26. I had MANY lonely days and nights. The culture was so shockingly different that initially it made me grow up all at once. I tried hard and eventually I made it work, but it has always been a struggle. 15 years have gone by quickly. I am married to the love of my life, I have two children and I have reinvented myself at least twice from a career standpoint. We moved from state to state to find a "home" but it finally dawned on me that I will never feel completely home until I go back to Italy....

[WishIwasinItaly]

In Italy "no matter what you're doing in your day you are feeling like you're really living" Amen!

[emeliahurd]

"I'm all alone so I'll just write a short story" omg that made me lol so hard. I can totally relate to this as a solo female traveller. And then there comes a time where you enjoy your own company SO MUCH that people can't help but be attracted to you and you just can't seem to get a private coffee or lunch to yourself. Random people asking to join you left right and centre hahahah! Ahhh I love being an expat. Love this convo ladies xx

[ArielViera]

Kylie, you are an artist! Absolutely love your aesthetic, you make the audience feel as if they were a part of the conversation. Intimacy is the word I would use for your style of filmmaking

[ReluctantMystic]

The intelligence and personalities of these two women is quite refreshing. Thanks for this video.

[dianasharonschenker]

Hi, I found out where I want to live it is Heceg Novi, Igalo, Montenegro. Do not have to know the language most everyone speaks English. By the way I am from California also. I know exactly what you mean I have traveled to over 30 countries I was in Florence, Italy in 1998 for 3 months. Loved the experience. Still have an Australian friend and her Italian husband that are living in Florence. I have immigrated Israel, Mexico and now Montenegro also lived in countries as an expat and a tourist for 1 month to 3 months. In August I will be 77 years old healthy, and still living my life, and still traveling. My son also a traveler is teaching English to the Chinese young students with his family live in Varna, Bulgaria his wife is Ukrainian. My 2 grandchildren speak 3 languages. I love meeting new people and always experiencing a new challenges life. I just had a job offer to work in Real Estate. I am having a unit built. Love life and stay healthy

[elishevarichmond]

I adored watching this, sitting down with my cup of tea, wrapped in a blanket on my couch as the rain and wind pounded outside. It actually was so reassuring to me ( I live in the Middle East as an expat) that the ups and downs are normal and persevering is the key. Much love!

[rxr]

Great video! Love that phrase "I've been infected by Italy!" So true and I was just there for 10 days. Thanks for sharing.

[emmacurrens]

When I studied abroad for several months in Rome I was able to pick up work as an English tutor for a family. They paid me 20/hour and the little boy went to international school and spoke English really well. It was definitely ideal, good pocket change as a student and a great way to practice Italian with the family!

[MetaMM]

This video came on my newsfeeds. Great perspectives by you two that is so hilarious in a way but glad you can laugh about it now. I've been blessed to have met an Italian in my country, he swept off my feet, took me to Milan, married, travelled, living in different countries after as he was assigned to these other countries as an Engineer and Milan was our home base. Restaurants, shopping, jewellery was his love to give me. He was faithful to a tee. I'm beyond grateful but I lost him after many years together. Wonderful but also culture shock when I came to live in Italy. Now back in my country, living in the Balinese villa he purchased for us, and I could return to Italy any time. However, I think my chapter is done. Visiting yes, but living, I don't know. Never say never. Beautiful video and beautiful backdrop. Complimenti!!

[DebeNicole]

This just reinstated even more why I want to move to Italy, life is about taking risks, chances of the unknown. Preparation is key though, thank you for inspiring.

[cecitrigos]

I´ve moved to different cities by myself and I can totally relate...Lately, I´ve considered looking into moving to Italy, and this video was super informative. Thank u!!

[TheMatrim]

I love what you do! Such excellent work. As an Italian expat in the US, I have to say your story, work and beautiful photography painfully remind me so very much of my country and its atmospheres. You really are an Italian - well deserved, Kylie! And thanks Lauren for sharing your story of struggle and courage, I relate a lot, as I am sure do all the expats watching this video.

[melaniem]

When she started saying how living in Italy feels like falling in love I started tearing up. That whole part made me emotional. I’m 21 almost 22 living in Texas, USA, I want that exact feeling. I’ve wanted to visit even live in Italy since I was 14. Now that I’m older and know that’s still what I want I’m a step closer.

[aranoguera]

OMG! I am so glad I found your channel! I have been living in Italy for 5 years. I have felt so isolated because I have not met anyone with similar experiences and emotions.
Thank you for sharing so candidly.

[nadines_moments]

Loved listening to this conversation! I think it really opened my eyes on how I need to approach fullfilling my dream of living in Italy. Thank you for giving me this inspiration (once again)! :)