Why I gave up my Italian Residency after 7 years. Life in Italy can be a dream but is often overly romanticized. After home renovations, learning a new language, dealing with the infamous Italian bureaucracy, emotional ups and downs, the passing of my dogs, and missing my family terribly, I decided to make a change. Was it Under the Tuscan/Campania Sun?
Read MoreThis hazelnut chocolate pudding recipe from Sweet Paul is simple and delicious. Nutella, the famous hazelnut spread is a key ingredient. I am not a huge fan of Nutella BUT, I love it with dark chocolate and eating them straight from the tree! Think about all the toppings you could add: whipped creme, coffee beans, white chocolate chips, cinnamon, hot chili pepper. It’s endless.
Read MoreAshley Bartner of "La Tavola Marche" and Susan Dufresne of "Get Lost in Italy" chat about life as American expats in Italy. We talk about living in a country with different traditions and cultures, learning a new language, gaining residency, citizenship, what we love, and what we miss the most. If you dream of moving to Italy, we hope this video answers many of your questions.
Read MoreStarting all over again in Italy definitely has its challenges, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I feel honored to have been interviewed by Cinzia Ferri of Instantly Italy. We talk about living in a small village in Italy after years of working in San Francisco, being away from family and friends, cultural differences, how my life has changed, and what I miss the most since moving to Italy. Hint - it has to do with food - always!
Read MoreMy 5 favorite things about living in Italy. There is so much to love about Italy so I chose the things I look forward to every day: Italian coffee, Italian food and wine, the pausa (or siesta), a strong sense of community, and the beauty and diversity of Italy. Read about my 5 Favorites and some expats and locals who have inspired me.
Read MoreA Mini-Vacation to Puglia, Italy. Puglia is a beautiful and unique region of Italy filled with trullis, white cities, and clean beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. After being on lockdown for several months here in Italy, I was more than ready for a road trip. I visited the towns of Martina Franca, Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Alberobello in the province of Bari. A perfect 3-day trip!
Read MoreLemons + Local Flavor. Summer is in full swing with the days getting hotter and hotter. If you’re like me, you want something refreshing, delicious, and no oven needed. It’s the perfect time to try this luscious No-Bake Italian Lemon Cheesecake.
Read MoreThe outdoor markets in Italy are incredible with overflowing seasonal fruits and veggies, homemade sausages, local cheeses and so much more. It’s a real treat to roam the local outdoor markets in search of a cute linen dress, a bright, pink antique chair, or sitting and watching it all over an espresso at a nearby cafe. Find my favorite local markets and things to do.
Read MoreAlessandro's tasty jam tart or crostata di marmellata is a traditional treat here in Southern Italy. This delicious recipe is easy to make and perfect with a frothy cappuccino while dreaming of visiting Italy. Try it with your favorite homemade jam!
Read MoreA Day Trip exploring Pietravairano and the Temple in the Clouds. Teatro Tempio San Nicola was discovered only due to a brush fire in 2001, and the rest is history! Pietravairano is a small town in the Campania region with plenty to do for a lovely day trip. There is a castle, a temple, beautiful churches, a historic neighborhood, and a great restaurant, La Caveja. Well worth the trip!
Read MoreCreamy Risotto recipe that takes only 30 minutes and tastes delicious. Get the printable recipe and read an interesting story about a trip to Milan that ends with a plate of risotto.
Read MoreMy desire to learn Italian is a neverending journey with many ups and downs. Here's my story as a Californian, moving my life to Italy while learning a new language and culture. I share my 5 top tips to make learning Italian easier while having fun.
Read MoreBest Place to Stay in Abruzzo - Caramanico Terme
Located in the Maiella Mountains and only 30 minutes from the Adriatic Coast, Caramanico Terme is a great place for an active weekend getaway or a week-long spa trip. It is known for its natural and healing sulfur waters and active lifestyle with hiking, biking, yoga, and numerous events.
Read MoreThis little restaurant was truly found by “Getting Lost.” I was with a couple of friends trying to find another restaurant and we got lost! But what a delicious and special little find. Please go check it out and the little town of Fragneto. Beautiful views!
Read MoreLike many places in Italy, they speak a dialect specific to this town or region. It’s called Guardiolo here in Guardia Sanframondi and is very distinct. Let’s learn a little dialect!
Read MoreLearning Italian has been a joy, a struggle, and very funny - mostly for others. I continue to learn with lots of ups and downs. Here is a top tip when speaking Italian. Always "Fico," and never "Fic@"!
Read MoreThe first thing the locals ask you when you tell them you have moved here permanently is “Perche?” “Why?” That’s not always an easy answer for me because I knew nothing about the Campania region or Guardia before my move. I had planned to move to Sicily or the Marche region in the North, but never Campania.
Read MoreLuca is one of my favorite people. He’s a great teacher and a very kind person. After my move to Italy, I started taking online group classes with him. The classes really helped me to progress and more importantly, to start speaking in a friendly group setting. Whenever my expat friends ask me how I am learning Italian, I always refer them to Luca.
Read MoreOne common mistake people do is to translate literally from their native language. Like using long sentences or expressions that don’t mean anything translated into another language. I always suggest not to think this way, but instead make easy, short sentences from scratch.
Read MoreThis summer was the first time I stayed in Sweden the whole summer. I missed the summer in Italy so much! I especially miss the warm evenings outside until 3 a.m. I miss being able to use my language and the possibility to visit places dreamed of by people all over the world I miss drinking a well-done cappuccino in the early morning.
Read MoreCalifornia girl moves to a small village in Italy to test her strength and endurance and survives!
I'm Susie, an adventurous traveler from California who always had a love for Italy. After 30 years of dreaming, I decided it was time to move to Southern Italy and start a new life. With my two dogs, Mack and Sweetie Pie, I moved to a traditional, Southern Italian village in the Campania region.
