At first it felt like a curse, or at the very least, an inconvenience, having to leave Italy after every 90 day stay. I tell many people that who have never heard of such a thing. They usually respond with a question about going somewhere for a weekend and coming back home. That was the case when my mother lived in Canada as a homeowner, but US Citizen. She could cross the border, buy a soda pop, and go home. Italians are especially surprised regarding this fact about their country. I told my friend Giuseppe about it and he said, "Even though you bought a house?" "Yes, that's right. I pay taxes, too, but can't live in my house six months out of the year!" My other friend Giuseppe, in Sicily was indignant! He would not allow it. He was ready to tell them they had to let me stay, and even that we would be driving to see a lawyer the next day. His family is my surrogate Italian family for the past 25 years, though I'd only seen them twice in that time. Personally, I'm not bitter about the rule at all. That is their immigration law. I respect it, and observe it, and it allows me to live in Italy without technically having to jump through the many bureaucratic hoops required to legally emigrate. It is no simple feat getting residency in Italy. Much harder, even than in other EU countries. 

You'll find all types of resources here as you start your own Italian adventure!

The dream started many years ago and came to fruition in the spring of 2024.