Living in Italy
Moving to Italy, expat blogs and the daily roadblocks.
A Reading List for Italophiles
Not everyone can travel to Italy every year, or be in Italy whenever they want - so, for some, the next best thing is reading about Italy.
Spain Embassy and Consulates in Italy
Here is the contact information for the Spanish Embassy and Consulates in Italy . While you hope to never need their services while you are traveling, it's good to know they're there if you do!
France Embassy and Consulates in Italy
Here is the contact information for the French Embassy and Consulates in Italy . While you hope to never need their services while you are traveling, it's good to know they're there if you do!
Making Friends at the Pasticceria
We spent Sunday afternoon wandering around the Brera neighborhood in central Milan, having a lovely little lunch, visiting an art museum (more on that later), and re-visiting a gelato shop we liked…
The Keys to an Apartment in Italy
Well, the husband and I finally got to move into our apartment yesterday - we're renting a furnished apartment from an agency in Milan, and thankfully the place matches the photographs exactly.
Will I ever be witty in Italian?
When I first started learning Italian in the spring of 2001, it was in anticipation of my first trip to Italy.
To Learn the Language (and Not Sound Like an Idiot) Pt. 2
I've noted before that one of the struggles of learning a new language is going from being reasonably articulate in your native tongue to being reduced to childish phrases and half-sentences in your…
Learning from Other Expat Wannabes
I have a ridiculously long list of blogs related to Italy which I try to keep up with on a semi-weekly basis, and I'm still finding more blogs to add to the list.
Getting Used to "Italian Time"
I'm a firstborn, which I think means certain things to certain people. I know it does to me.
The Challenges of Finding a Job in Italy
It's been awhile since I've posted an update on the whole attempt to become expats; partly that was because the husband and I hadn't really learned anything new, and partly that was because what we…
New Words in Italian
I'm taking a break from teaching right now, but one of the things I used to have to explain to my students was how the Italian language is a "living language" - it's still changing, because it's…
To Learn the Language (and Not Sound Like an Idiot)
One of the things I find most frustrating about learning another language is how stupid I sound sometimes.
Italians Iron Everything
I've never been very good at ironing. If we move to Italy, however, I think I'm going to have to learn.
Doing the Grocery Shopping in Italy
Not everyone who visits Italy is a foodie, but many of the people I talk to who are planning trips to Italy are hoping to eat well while there.
Getting Used to Food Differences in Italy
Vacationers in Italy exist in something of a bubble, where they think they're experiencing something of authentic Italian life without getting close.
Another Italy Book to Read
I've got a giant stack of books beside my bed (not to mention the bookcases which are overflowing in my living room), but it's kind of a situation of having too many choices - whenever I finish a…
Getting an Italian Drivers' License
Among the gajillion things that the husband and I have discussed - or at least started discussing, because the task is always far too overwhelming to continue for long at this point - about a…
Italian Regional Dialects Still Prevalent
This Spring marks the sixth anniversary of my first Italian class, and while I tend to think I should be further along than I am, I also am reasonably proud of myself when I'm able to understand and…
Expat Roadblocks: Experiencing Culture Shock at Home
Even if you're prepared for culture shock, that doesn't mean it's going to be any less, well, shocking. And, as we're learning already, it begins even before you've left the comfort of home.
Winter Term Teaching Italian - Done
Winter term just finished at the community college where I teach beginning Italian, and I've got a week now before the Spring term starts and I get a whole new crop of eager students.
Moving Furniture in Italy Without Elevators
I can't count the number of times I've wandered through the streets of an Italian town (take your pick) and thought, "I wonder what it would be like to live here?" Where would my local market be?
Visiting an Italian Gynecologist
I know plenty of people who steer clear of the doctor's office at almost any price. I'm not one of them.
Living in Italy - Don't Take it for Granted
A few years ago while visiting our expat friends who live north of Venice, the husband and I stood for a moment over her desk, looking out the window that is her view all day (she works from home).
Learning Italian Through Song
There are many ways to learn a foreign language - some of them are harder than others, and certainly some are more fun than others.
English Words in Italian: Not a Pezzo di Torta
Anyone who's tried to learn another language no doubt has found moments of comedy amidst the hours (scratch that, weeks and months) of slogging through grammar rules.
Looking Beyond the Popular Italian Regions
Italy is an incredibly popular holiday destination, there is no denying that. Most tourists, however, never make it beyond the "holy trinity" of Rome, Florence and Venice.
Expat Roadblocks: Does Milan Suck?
Well, I got some disappointing emails this morning. The husband and I had kind of figured that Milan would be the place we'd end up because of his work...
Welcome to the Italy Logue
I'm Jessica, and I'm excited to welcome you to the Italy Logue! Allow me to introduce myself...