INSPIRATION
Move to Italy it is possible!
We knew we wanted to do something we loved and that would be inspiring to others.
We made the move to Italy looking for a better life for ourselves and our children, we have never seen ourselves within somebody’s timetable.
Today seems the perfect time to recommit to all we are creating here in Italy, to each other and to our children who are the inspiration for all we hope to achieve.
Imagine how it feels to wake up in the morning to softly falling snow outside your bedroom window, to see your world transform into something magical. Or to spend the day throwing snowballs and making snow angels with your kids.
Imagine finally finding your special place in the world and being able to share it, it is possible to move to Italy and these days easier than ever before. I think I read through every page of Living and Working in Italy: A Survival Handbook (Living & Working in Italy)
I’m sure you’ve heard of other people who’ve made the move to a simpler lifestyle, changing country, having a sea change and just leaving the rat race behind.
So this year I’ll be sharing with you some of the inspiration behind our move to Italy and our quest to change our lives for the better.
I know that if we can do this with limited funds, two young children in a medieval Borgata in the mountains then you can do it as well.
One winter I was heading out with Sam and the kids, yes with a hot water bottle, carrot and cup of tea, no wonder the locals look.
Just yesterday we had a Skype call with a couple in Australia looking to make a move to Italy with their young children. It had me see just how far we’ve come and how much we’ve learned along the way.
We chatted for some time about chasing a dream, a better life for our kids, school systems, cost of living and what it’s really like to pack up and move your entire life to the other side of the globe.
After the call all I could think about was how ‘lit up’ I was, how passionate and in love with this life we are making here in Italy even with the highs and lows I wouldn’t change a single day.
This is what I’d love to share with you along with life here in the Borgata.
In winter we have huge snowfalls and then it starts falling again. Even when over a metre has been forecast we still have to manage getting children to school.
Thanks again for believing in us, and even more importantly , believing in yourself and your dreams.
and the gang x
Hi! I am moving to Italy in a few months and I am looking forward for the moment I step up into my Italian apartment. I am leaving my home because of my job and I can’t wait for the adventure to start. Wish me luck!
Oh Molly we wish you luck and if we can help in any way just let me know. xxx
Hi Lisa, I just wanted to say I’m here, reading.
We’re thinking of buying a house in Romania, a shell really, nowhere near live-able, hard work and hard winters. But its so beautiful here, the house could be magical, the kids would be free to roam, they could have a pet lamb and chickens and snowboard in the garden. I’ve come to see how you managed, maybe you’ll give me the confidence to hand over the cash.
Oh Alyson sounds exciting, I know nothing about Romania but sounds wonderful and I know houses are inexpensive much like here in Italy. Our houses here in Italy had at least a few rooms that we could use right away which helped and as they were already houses it wasn’t a problem to restore them. A friend here who is Italian has bought some outbuildings and wants to create a house and the process is far more complicated.
Would you live there year round? Just think about how you would access the house in winter, love to hear how you go and if you go ahead with it. x
4 wheel drive Lisa and maybe stay, maybe not. We’re not looking for a forever home, but a base, somewhere we could return to whenever we needed. We’ll still travel, James will still work in London to top up the bank account sometimes, it would just be nice, and an adventure
Sounds fantastic and having a base is an excellent idea. Gotta love an ADVENTURE right? xx
Ciao Lisa! I happened on your blog because I was actually googling House Hunters International Italy, my fiancé and I are about to film OUR episode in Italy!! I’ve only read just a few of your posts but they really resonate with me, even our dare to dream attitude is the same (I swear I had thought up my tag line a long time ago!!). I’d actually love to be in touch with you, stop by my blog http://www.questadolcevita.com and shoot me an email! I’m Canadian, living in Bergamo!! 🙂
Oh you must let us know how your House Hunters Episode goes Jasmine. We had a wonderful time with the crew over five days of filming. We have some wonderful Canadian friends living here in the village. Seems you like to travel just like us Aussies x
Thanks for your response! Yeah we are pretty excited, especially to show off our city which definitely has never been featured on House Hunters yet! That’s amazing there are Canadians in your village, I’ve actually only met one so far here in Bergamo!!
Brava Lisa,
what a story you have to tell. Courageous and emotional, taking people with you along the way. Love keeping up with the journey.
Lisa xx
Grazie Lisa, I kick myself every day that passes and I have still not got myself sorted to complete my first book. xx
Thanks much for mentioning the book – I just may have to pick it up!
LOL one day soon I hope x
Lisa — I am so happy to hear that Fiume is back. I was so heartbroken when I read your post about him. Your children must be so happy. This weekend my daughter and I watched the movie “Belle and Sebastian” — if you have not seen it you must, it is beautiful. Watching it I thought about Fiume and thought perhaps he will survive and make it back. It is so amazing he did. Thanks again for another uplifting, inspiring post. I will go vote for your blog now. You deserve it. ciao, Trisha
We still have no idea where he went but thank goodness he came back. Twelve days and he was skinny and scared, Carina was ecstatic. I’ll have to get Sam to find the movie, I always remember loving ‘the incredible story’ when I was a kid about a Siamese cat, Labrador and bull terrier finding the way home. Thanks for the vote and I’ve been voting for yours as well.
Maybe you’ll do two years in a row???? xxx
Movie: Milo and Otis?
Oh yes Carina loved that movie, I’m still in love with Bodger from the Incredible Journey, one of my favorite books as a kid xx
I’m overjoyed that Fiume is back with his beloved family! And inspired by you, Lisa, with your carrot, cup of tea and hot water bottle. My husband and I spent a few days in villages in the Italian Alps during February of 1978, and your snow photographs remind me so much of that wonderful, quiet time.
We were so happy to see him and didn’t believe it was him at first. Our life is certainly quirky and we just keep moving towards our dream even through the arguments and tough times. You would know about snow if you were in the Alps in February. It is just magical isn’t it. xxx
Good on you Lisa. Hope you’re all well and enjoying that snow.
All good here, just a bit chilly Margaret lol.
sending love, are you in for another round of B-School?
You are such a treasure, luv, and inspire me so much. 🙂 Thank you for always being so real and honest and open. You give me courage to love what we have and keep building towards our dream, one little step at a time. XO
One little step at a time, funny but that’s always what I tell myself, just keep moving slowly towards your dream. You are inspiring so many with your books and beautiful writing. x
Ciao cara, I voted! So happy your doggie returned–what a miracle! xxxx
I know…..what an unexpected return, he hasn’t strayed far from home. Thanks for the vote xxx
What a lovely, inspiring post Lisa….it’s great when you realise that you can actually advise other people and help them with their dreams!
Oh thank you so much Melanie, it’s a role I’m only just stepping into and owning. This year I’m wanting to move to a way to inspire others to actually achieve those dreams.
Loved this but have to write, ‘only you!’. The carrot, the tea and the hotwater bottle. …
LOL Sam’s favorite pic of me is when I was heavily pregnant, wearing a fluro bikini and full face mask in the surf at Surfers Paradise. Kids were coming over and rubbing my stomach and old woman were tutting xx
So glad Flume has returned. It can’t have been easy for him with all that snow, he obviously loves you as much as you love him. Voted. 🙂
Oh we couldn’t believe it when he walked in the door, he has been close to home ever since. Thanks for voting, I’d love to win I must say lol xxx
Loved the images of the deer, gorgeous and such wonderful photographs x
I was so very happy when I heard Fiume returned home to you guys, what a miracle.
And yes you are such inspiration for families who are looking for a simpler life….can’t wait to follow your journey ahead for 2015.
Would love to read your book {hint, hint, get it published so I can purchase a signed copy of it already!!!}, and I am off to vote for my most favorite Italian blogger.
Oh and on a side note, I so can’t wait to one day jump on a plane and visit you guys 🙂
It was such a shock to see him walk in we thought it was our friends dog Bric. I don’t think we realize just how inspiring we are (yes I mean your family and mine). Thanks for the vote of confidence re the book, I just need the gumption to take it further lol. Don’t worry about your Bus, she’ll be back with you before you know it. take each day as it comes and maybe a little mini bus to carry with you, a charm for a bracelet perhaps xx
YaY! Fiume!!
And congratulations on living your dream.
We’ve been so happy to have him home again Letitia we never expected him to walk in the door. Loved your cemetery pics, I love wandering around in them as well and always have, sending love x