Ashley 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.

Starting 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!

My 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.

A 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!

The 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.

A 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!

Best 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.

The 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.