Well, folks. I'm fasting my seatbelt, and heading out for my life's biggest adventure: MOVING TO ITALY!. In just a few days, I'm leaving everything behind here in US, and flying to Bologna!

It's by far the craziest thing I've ever done, but...how many people can honestly say that they have had a chance to live their dream? Doing something they've always wanted to do? For me, I've had enough talking about my dream - I'M DOING IT!!!

Sure, it's scary as hell. Not only do I not have a job there at the moment, but I'm virtually leaving everything behind: job, car, wife (although she will be coming soon, as soon as I hopefully find work), bills, friends and everything else I've gotten accumstomed to and know so well.

Why Bologna? While never having been there myself (yet), everything I've read and seen about this city signifies what I miss in America and what I truely love: a walk-friendly city (finally I get rid of my car), a city with lots of fruit markets, lots of students and young people (Europe's oldest university is located there), a liberal and open-minded city, historic (yet not touristy), with nice climate (yes, it does rain quite a bit), many local stores (I'm so sick of Wal-Mart), a local soccer team, lots of parks, beautiful people and most importantly, excellent food (The Bolognese calls themselves the food capital of Italy, but then again, which town doesn? ;)

I am of course, fully aware what enormous challanges lie ahead of me. High unemployment rate, culture adjustment, buraucracy, crime and at time hard to "break in" to the society for a foreigner. Most of my friends have adviced me not to go; my parents are worried to death, even most italians have written me lots of caveats about moving. Yet - and perhaps I'm being stubborn - some things I just have to find out on my own. You only live life once right?

So here I come Bologna...seeking new friends, new job, new adventures, and a new life. Wish me luck, and if you happen to be in the area, let me know, and I can show you this beautiful city - just like a local would.

Ciao

You are very brave, Marcello. Buona fortuna!

Wow, I commend you! I want to live in italy as well in a couple of years. My boyfriend is Treviso, right outside of Venice and I love visiting his city. Good luck and I'm sure things will work out for you!

Congrats for the courage! Buona fortuna!

ciao marcello

u have my email and my mobile no...
let me know if you have settle well in Bologna

take care and enjoy the adventure

Well, I made it to Bologna and I have survived my first week here. I say "survived" because living in Italy is a whole different thing than visiting. It's almost like learning to walk again, because everything is new, everything is done differently, and things you took for granted can be quite a challange.

After a while, the little accomplishments you make feel like you have conquered Mount Everest. Today I was finally able to open up a bank account. It may not seem like a big deal, but here in Italy, you typically have to have a job or a student to have a bank account. After a couple of misses I met a very nice young lady, who either felt sorry for me, or felt for my charm; either way she let me open op an account for free with no montly fees (also that, unusual in Italy) a student and told me to convert to a regular account when I get a job. Sweeeet!

Other "accomplishments" include finding a place to live in the middle of the center, figuring out how to use the public laundry machines, getting a codice fiscale, and finding italian friends.

Bologna is, by the way, the most charming city you can ever imagine. I think there is a salute to Bologna elsewhere in the forum, but I just wanted to say I love it for all the people, the cute streets, the shops, teh liberal attitudes and just the atmosphere. It's everything that I thought it would be, and much more. Also, Bologna appears to have the highest concentration of beautiful women in one place in all of Italy...just another incentive if you are a guy and are thinking about coming here!

So far so good, in other words, although I haven't accomplished the most difficult part jet: finding a job. I'm hoping for the best, because I definitly want to stay here.

wow sounds amazing! and exactly what i want to do! I am only 19 though, but have big dreams on "living" life to the fullest. So any advice for a yound lad?

Ciao Marcello

it seems that everything is well with you in Bologna...i have yet to go to Bologna but maybe when i finish my thesis and have all the time in the world to go visiting...

have a jolly good time ok

Hey Marcello,
Come stai ? I am Italian born in australia. I am planning to live in Schio, Vicenza. I fly out from perth on 17 jan 09. I have my mum that lives there. I was kinda freakin out a little till i read your story. I have been to Italy a few times but only for holidays. Moving is really stressfull, i mean i freak out moving house, not sure how im gonna handle moving country.
Buona fortuna & im happy things are workin out for you.
Ciao. Dina Seconda.