The Real Life in Italy

The Real Life in Italy is bringing you the facts you ACTUALLY need to make like in Italy as a foreigner just a bit easier. We’re cutting through the bullshit of “La Dolce Vita” to share with you what you really need to know while living in Italy. From tidbits of Italian culture to navigating the nightmarish bureaucracy, and even some language tips, you’ll find it all here. This won’t be your average life in Italy podcast telling you about the best food and wine (ok there may be some wine), nor telling you the beauty of the Renaissance and Michelangelo, but don’t snooze yet, it also won’t be just a legal podcast to cover your visa options. It’s all of that, and none of it. Here’s some topics we’ll be covering: Who the fuck was this Garibaldi guy? And this Aldo Moro? Why does every town have a Via XX Settembre?! How do I get my Permesso di Soggiorno and more importantly, dear God how do I survive the Questura? What DOES mi raccomando mean? What Birth Control is in Italy? Can I get IVF on Healthcare? What are my options when pregnant in Italy? (Yes, we’ll get serious.) What IS the difference between Carabinieri and Polizia?! No really, can I get an iced coffee in Italy? Living in Italy as a foreigner is filled with challenges and moments where we all want to cry, rip out our hair, throw the towel in, and say basta, I’m going home. You’re not alone. But frankly I’m a strong believer in the fact that the more we understand why things are the way they are, we can learn to accept them. The more we are able to confidently understand our life abroad, the easier, and more enjoyable it gets. I’ve lived in Italy for 12 years, and to make it through I have had to dive deep into how bureaucracy, healthcare, and finances work here in Italy. Along the way, because I am a nerd, I’ve also decided to learn all I can about the long and complicated history of this country I love to call home. Nothing makes me happier than sharing this information with fellow expats in Italy and watching them laugh off the struggle and thrive in their new life in Italy. Listen for some good laughs, helpful tips, and expat stories to remind you you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Want to get in touch? www.collineallemontagne.com evelyn@collineallemontagne.com