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Does anyone have any input.

I am just starting out on researching this. I have a (hopeful) 5 year plan and with luck it will work. Jr Minks and I want to move to Italy. She finishes her high school this year, and will go straight into the Culinary Arts Program at the College here for 2 years and then wishes to study in Italy. Ultimately if all goes well within the 5 years we would like to live over there while she gets more education.

Being a Taurus, I can't just pack up and go, I have to have all my ducks in a row, all things researched and have some kind of a job to go to. I am not one for "living off my savings" because that is just plain scarey.

I think within our 5 years we should have some kind of success learning the language ahahaha I feel that is a good start.

Yes, start learning Italian now, a beautiful language. Looking for employment, maybe there is an extension of your present employer there, or an associate company. You could look into that now.

My daughter still pouts when I turned down a job for the American University there-ha! But my husband was not ill yet, so I am glad that we stayed here. I say go, and have fun. You only get so many chances to see the world, you will now get to live it!:-6

chonsigirl;770357 wrote: Yes, start learning Italian now, a beautiful language. Looking for employment, maybe there is an extension of your present employer there, or an associate company. You could look into that now.

My daughter still pouts when I turned down a job for the American University there-ha! But my husband was not ill yet, so I am glad that we stayed here. I say go, and have fun. You only get so many chances to see the world, you will now get to live it!:-6


thanks CG that was my first thought too, getting me and Jr Minks into learning the language. I don't think my current employer can help me out, our closest operation to Italy would be ... Abu Dhabi I think then, India I think or maybe Russia depending where the oil rigs are located Italy would be just a tad to far away for a warehouse or least of all not so central for all 3 locations.

I have a lot to consider, but yes learning the language first is key.

Soberhoho;770364 wrote: All Italians pinch female bottoms, i hope you find this piece of information useful.


Oh dear... well um I would be inclined to slap some one if they pinched my daughters butt:wah:

I also have to seriously consider my marketable skills and after working 20+ years in the oil and gas business that is a bit of a challenge, I have read, english teacher, or get into tourisim... I think the latter would suit me better.

Wow that sounds like a great idea for you both! I'm sure it will take some time to get used to things, but I think you would both love the new culture and lifestyle living in Europe. If you do decide to go ahead with this, then I wish you all the best!! :-6

chrisb84uk;770369 wrote: Wow that sounds like a great idea for you both! I'm sure it will take some time to get used to things, but I think you would both love the new culture and lifestyle living in Europe. If you do decide to go ahead with this, then I wish you all the best!! :-6


Well it certainly would be an adventure wouldn't it. Just think how much closer I would be to the UK ahahaha, yes the culture difference will be interesting, but the good thing is we are both very open minded and accepting, unlike the oldest daughter who could never survive without some of the items we are accustom to here. I have read peanut butter is tough to get in Italy I laughed and thought ... oh well that I can manage hehehehe

Hahaha well I guess you would be closer, but Italy is still pretty far away from us here, my geography never was that good though to tell which is actually closer! :wah:



I think that as long as you have spent a lot of time looking into the language and the new lifestyle for you then things should go on postively from there. You would have to see which area of the country suits you and what kind of property and local life you are after. How far schools, shops etc are, what kind of work you can get nearby, amongst lots of other things.



Knowing you I'm sure you would get on great there, and will get on fine should you decide to move. Oh and to make things better, compared to the fun you had over here I'm sure there are a lot less cars on the roads when you cross them!! :p

I love Italy, Minks. It is chaotic, bureaucratically impossible, friendly, laid back, infuriating, crowded, colourful. It is also a country of contrasts. Big industrial cities like Milan which is also a fashion capital, history like in Rome, and Roman traffic, fishing villages, claustrophobic rural communities, the cultural heritage of Florence, Sicily, the Slavic areas of the north, Venice. Villages where everything shuts after a two hour lunch and you literally sleep for four hours, then do the walkabout through the village square, dine, work, and stay up very late.

The Italian language is, as Chonsi said, beautiful. And, probably the easiest of the Latin-derived languages for an English speaker - as the grammar rules are pretty straightforward and the pronunciation is as written.

Forget peanut butter. And North American style food. Italian food is amazing. Good bread. Real coffee. Wine. And a different take on eating and life in general.

Do go on a trip there first, and see the country, if you haven't already done that, before you make any final long term decisions. Of course sunshine probably looks very attractive from the depths of a Canadian winter.. grin.



ED

Hi Chris, and Happy Birthday!!

AussiePam;770390 wrote: I love Italy, Minks. It is chaotic, bureaucratically impossible, friendly, laid back, infuriating, crowded, colourful. It is also a country of contrasts. Big industrial cities like Milan which is also a fashion capital, history like in Rome, and Roman traffic, fishing villages, claustrophobic rural communities, the cultural heritage of Florence, Sicily, the Slavic areas of the north, Venice. Villages where everything shuts after a two hour lunch and you literally sleep for four hours, then do the walkabout through the village square, dine, work, and stay up very late.

The Italian language is, as Chonsi said, beautiful. And, probably the easiest of the Latin-derived languages for an English speaker - as the grammar rules are pretty straightforward and the pronunciation is as written.

Forget peanut butter. And North American style food. Italian food is amazing. Good bread. Real coffee. Wine. And a different take on eating and life in general.

Do go on a trip there first, and see the country, if you haven't already done that, before you make any final long term decisions. Of course sunshine probably looks very attractive from the depths of a Canadian winter.. grin.



ED

Hi Chris, and Happy Birthday!!


Aw Pam, the food is not an issue for Jr and me, we love food, and are very adventuresome when it comes to unfamiliar cusine thankfully eh. I suppose the key is looking into the schools and finding where the best would be for Jr and base our decision on that. Sure sounds like it has a lot to offer, and hey big city bustle and crowds meh a cake walk, I live in one already ahahaha We are not to restricted that way, like I said the key is getting Jr Minks into a good culinary arts school, or courses and a roof over our heads and a job I can do to sustain us.

And yes anything beats this winters of here. And frankly I have come to realize there are places to live that do not have winter 8 out of 12 months and that is what piques my interest hehehehehehehe

JAB;770396 wrote: Minks, you might also want to check into any work Visa rules and permits. Depending on your skill set, those can be very speciafic nowadays in which one you get and how long they may allow you to stay.


yes I have been looking into that as well, have to visit my Italian consulate, as well as how long Jr can stay on a students visa, and if there is provisions for me as her parent, which I doubt but have to check too. Rent or buy, car or donkey cart, yes so much to consider that is why we are looking at a 5 year plan.

AussiePam;770390 wrote:



Hi Chris, and Happy Birthday!!


Hi Pam, hope you are well! Thank you for the wishes!

Well I've seen quite a lot of those moving abroad to live programmes, including some to Italy, and most people seem to start off a little shaky, but soon after they are loving every minute of it, and every day is something new and exciting.



I'm sure that as long as you put in the planning, and both agree to the highs and lows that will lie ahead, and are happy to embrace this new exciting adventure together than I say go for it!



I'm sure there are plenty of websites and information around the net or in your local library about changing lifestyle to a new country, so perhaps there may be some good help there.

JAB;770409 wrote: We recently had to put together Visa paperwork for 2 new employees - 1 from Canada and 1 from the UK - and it was a pain in the tush getting everything in order. Good thing you're giving yourself 5 years! :wah:


yeah I am not so spontaneious I need a plan hehehe

Mel, I have done some research regarding living in Italy. Have explored all of the options, and explored some work possibilities. I signed up for Itallian lessons months ago. I received 14 lessons ( written and audio download for each lesson ) I have of course not had the time to study them. But I can send you the link. Sound like a great plan. I would like to go also, and live in the Tuscany, Umbria region.

weeder;770414 wrote: Mel, I have done some research regarding living in Italy. Have explored all of the options, and explored some work possibilities. I signed up for Itallian lessons months ago. I received 14 lessons ( written and audio download for each lesson ) I have of course not had the time to study them. But I can send you the link. Sound like a great plan. I would like to go also, and live in the Tuscany, Umbria region.


oh my yes send me the link and hey maybe you can come along with Jr minks and I

minks;770415 wrote: oh my yes send me the link and hey maybe you can come along with Jr minks and I


That sounds like a good idea, it will certainly be easier and more fun, the more of you there are learning together!

Check out the community college also for Italian lessons, so you start learning the accent. I think Pam's idea is good, you should visit it first before making such long term decisions-what a great excuse for a vacation!:-6

:-4 FLORENCE ITALY is all I have to say.

I agree on Florence - Tuscany, Umbria. Just beautiful.

My daughter, who is 23, took the plunge last year. Tossed in her UK job, burnt her bridges more or less, and relocated to a foreign country, where both the language and the culture were in the main, unfamiliar. She had a job pretty much lined up. She's young, adaptable and cluey, has skills that her employer needs.... but it's tough going. Exciting but draining. And getting to the stage where she feels comfortable in her new life is going to be a long process.

Still, I'm all for spontaneity. Adventure. Taking the occasion leap into unknown waters - but with your eyes open.. Following your dreams etc.. That's what I said to her and it's what I said to you, Minks - You only live once. Go for it!!!!!

minks;770402 wrote: yes I have been looking into that as well, have to visit my Italian consulate, as well as how long Jr can stay on a students visa, and if there is provisions for me as her parent, which I doubt but have to check too. Rent or buy, car or donkey cart, yes so much to consider that is why we are looking at a 5 year plan.


Scooter surely!

That's what all Italian ladies use

Sounds like a good move - the best of luck with it :-6

That would be great.. we can rent a huge Villa. Type in Giovanna Carriero..

FREE ITALLIAN LESSONS, tHE LESSONS ARE GREAT.

Oooo you guys make me wanna go... tomorrow hehehehe

Packing my bags as I type.







Some Tuscan countryside, the Ponte Vecchio in Firenze, una lucertola verde.

What a great opportunity to experience a wonder country. Italy is very beautiful and the people are very warm and friendly. There is so much to see and do there. I hope it all works out for you.

best wishes!! That sounds so exciting! :-6

Minks. I got some information on living in Italy. Two people visiting the US from Florence came into the restaurant last night. The woman was originally an American. You have to ask the consulate on this side for a permit that makes you a " Living Tourist" It is available to do so.

I dont know if I approve of this.

I don't have an extensive knowledge of Italy, but what I saw in Rome, Milan and Naples convinced me it's one of the worlds finest countries. The food is great and the language doesn't seem too hard to learn. A plan to live there is a good incentive to learn, but you'll pick it up much more when you're there. I've got friends who have lived in Spain for 5 years and haven't even bothered with the lingo. Seems a crime to squandour such an opportunity, so I'm glad you're going for it. I would suggest as many visits as possible to decide which part to live in. You could always move around once you're there. Good luck with the plan Minks.

Meanwhile, as a heads-up, fire blanket is fuoco coperta. Hope this helps