A Presto Italia
It has been a while since I last posted and I wanted to recap our life in Italy as we fast approach the
end of or first year. I will be returning to the states for three months to spend time with family and friends.
It’s late November but still feels more like Chicago in early October. The sunset comes early here with darkness approaching around 4:00 pm. As I write this it is drizzling cold rain, but nothing compared to weather I’m usually accustomed to. I suppose the absence of wind makes it feel warmer here as well. The locals tend to wear their winter coats, scarves and wool caps when temps approach 50 degrees while I am usually in a light jacket. I believe I am the only cyclist that is still riding in my pantaloncini (short pants) while others are dressed in winter riding gear.
Loree remains in Chicago. She chose to return in early September. She had lost a close cousin and that coupled with missing our adult children convinced her that she should go back home. I also returned for most of September and October to give some educational lectures for the Toronto Montreal Exchanges and spend some time with our kids. It didn’t make sense for her to return with me for the short period of November-December. Overall, she has found it a difficult transition. She enjoyed the local trips we took, and the hikes, and dinners we had with our cousins, but the lack of Italian was handicapping her ability to make friends and adapt to life here.
Looking back, I feel I accomplished a great deal in a very short period. Those that know me know that when I put my mind to something I will find a way to make it happen. The apartment we have is more than adequate, and most recently I have added zanzariera (mosquito screens) on all the windows. Most homes do not have either screens or air conditioning, but the American in me prefers not to sleep with insects flying in through the open windows in the middle of night. In addition to securing the apartment and necessary Codice Fiscale (tax identification), I now have my Tessera Sanitaria (national health care). The health care here is quite good and of course practically free. I also have established residency here which means the majority of my time will be here in Italy and not in the U.S. Also and most importantly, my Italian conversation skills have improved to the point where even my Italian cousins have been amazed. I think German lessons may be next for me!
I have been fortunate to be able to work part-time as an expert witness in fraud cases occurring in the U.S. financial markets. As I only need the data, I can work here in Italy via an encrypted site and file my analysis on line. I do make trips to DC for follow-up and discussions when required. I also have given lectures in financial derivatives for Trader’s Magazine and Webank in Milan, which keeps me sharp and permits me to supplement my income.
Living here has given me a better understanding of the richness, struggles and experiences of everyday Italian life. I’m most grateful for my dear cousins who have made my transition here a relatively easy task. I have met some incredibly warm people and through these budding friendships I feel have developed a peripheral vision I did not have before. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Europe next year up close and in slow travel mode.
It’s late November but still feels more like Chicago in early October. The sunset comes early here with darkness approaching around 4:00 pm. As I write this it is drizzling cold rain, but nothing compared to weather I’m usually accustomed to. I suppose the absence of wind makes it feel warmer here as well. The locals tend to wear their winter coats, scarves and wool caps when temps approach 50 degrees while I am usually in a light jacket. I believe I am the only cyclist that is still riding in my pantaloncini (short pants) while others are dressed in winter riding gear.
Loree remains in Chicago. She chose to return in early September. She had lost a close cousin and that coupled with missing our adult children convinced her that she should go back home. I also returned for most of September and October to give some educational lectures for the Toronto Montreal Exchanges and spend some time with our kids. It didn’t make sense for her to return with me for the short period of November-December. Overall, she has found it a difficult transition. She enjoyed the local trips we took, and the hikes, and dinners we had with our cousins, but the lack of Italian was handicapping her ability to make friends and adapt to life here.
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| Christmas market |
Looking back, I feel I accomplished a great deal in a very short period. Those that know me know that when I put my mind to something I will find a way to make it happen. The apartment we have is more than adequate, and most recently I have added zanzariera (mosquito screens) on all the windows. Most homes do not have either screens or air conditioning, but the American in me prefers not to sleep with insects flying in through the open windows in the middle of night. In addition to securing the apartment and necessary Codice Fiscale (tax identification), I now have my Tessera Sanitaria (national health care). The health care here is quite good and of course practically free. I also have established residency here which means the majority of my time will be here in Italy and not in the U.S. Also and most importantly, my Italian conversation skills have improved to the point where even my Italian cousins have been amazed. I think German lessons may be next for me! |
| Mr. Cevapcici. (Johnie) He runs this great little hamburger place. Left his native Serbia after the Yugoslavian War and made a new life. He speaks 5 languages but not English. |
I have been fortunate to be able to work part-time as an expert witness in fraud cases occurring in the U.S. financial markets. As I only need the data, I can work here in Italy via an encrypted site and file my analysis on line. I do make trips to DC for follow-up and discussions when required. I also have given lectures in financial derivatives for Trader’s Magazine and Webank in Milan, which keeps me sharp and permits me to supplement my income.
Living here has given me a better understanding of the richness, struggles and experiences of everyday Italian life. I’m most grateful for my dear cousins who have made my transition here a relatively easy task. I have met some incredibly warm people and through these budding friendships I feel have developed a peripheral vision I did not have before. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Europe next year up close and in slow travel mode.
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