Name: Shilpa
Blog: http://www.organictuscany.org
Date of Interview: November 19, 2007
Area of Italy you live in?
Tuscany
Let us know a little about yourself?
Married to an Italian
Why did you decide to move to Italy?
We were in Spain, but husband keen to move back to Italy/to the countryside (we have small children).
What type of process did you go through to be able to move here?
None before moving. Once here, the usual PdS queues etc...
How long have you been here?
Almost 2 years
What type of adjustment problems have you had?
City to countryside, racism, appearance (in the provinces the norm is to be elegantly dressed), lack of ethnic food, general lack of openness to the outside world.
What do you wish someone had told you before you made the leap?
The truth about provincial life everywhere, the specifics about Certaldo (few amenities, unfriendly inhabitants, officialdom etc)
What inside secret could you pass on to others looking to move over?
If moving to anywhere other than a big city, be prepared for the drawbacks of provincial life. Know the kind of place you are moving to (North, South, Central, big, small etc). There are big differences between areas!
Do you have any disappointments, things you thought would happen
but haven't for whatever reasons ?
Making friends sooner (I've lived in Rome and in Spain and it was much easier). It has been a struggle.
What has changed about you since you have been here ?
Got used to driving, which I hate; got a little more used to being isolated; a lot more negative about Italy (I had great experiences in Rome, but provincial Tuscany is not up my street).
Do you think that you will stay forever?
No! Back to Barcelona in a couple of years!
Can you think of anything that you would like seen added to this site?
A searchable FAQ of bureacratic issues?
Comments?
Great site! Full of great information and warm people. Thanks! You are making these difficult years of my life more bearable :-)
