**Check out my new Digital Travel Guide for Salerno** A 46 page Guide with everything you need to know for your trip to Salerno! msbritaly.com/travel-guides

Young lady........Long time ago I lived in Italy for a brief period of time, and after that I moved to Nederland, then to Germany, then to Austria and finally to Australia. During that time, I used to travel a lot, around Europe, North Africa and Middle East. I have to tell you that everything you've said, most definitely, easily, for sure, 100%,.......... can apply to every country, to every nation, to every state within the nation,....... even to every suburb within the city limits, (let's forget nationality conflicts within some countries, and I am not willing to talk about racial issues present in every part of this planet). After all those years, between all countries I travelled through, I have to admit, I miss Italy, the most. I am unable to say why, but for sure, even being absolutely alone in Trieste in those times I remember how much I enjoyed Italian temperament, food, wine, coffee...........made me feel so.......somehow comfortable. I am going (at the end) to give you advice based on my life experience. I WOULD RATHER BE ALONE BY MYSELF............. THAN .............ALONE WITH SOMEONE CLOSE BY (if that makes sense). Self-sufficiency made me stronger.

Really well presented :) I’d like to share my experience- I moved here aged 21, coming from a much different place, India. So many cultural shocks, most of them positive. Focused on learning the language and cleared the B2 exam, in order to be able to have a chance to do a bachelor’s again in Italy and create my life from scratch. Due to bureaucratic hurdles I couldn’t go ahead and decided to stay still, wait for the pandemic to pass and do what was realistic. Two of the darkest years yet I found strength looking within. Being a poor, third world citizen, ‘bad communicator’ and crippled by bureaucracy and covid, life during covid was terrible. Change began after I started teaching, and volunteering, spent all my days and nights trying to find ways to get on my feet, learnt IT related stuff online and 3 years after landing in this amazing country, got my first proper job. A part of me had always felt like it belonged here, and a part of me tells I’ll never be able to assimilate in the society, have a circle of friends and a partner. Anyways I ignore both these voices and live like a 70 year old who’s happy to work, teach and meditate. :) a looong comment, but my point is this: we must allow ourselves to experience. Keep sharing - there are so many people like you out there who do not express themselves at all. Thanks for the video

Well-said. I lived in Italy for nearly 4 years. A very concise review of many challenges. After returning home to the USA for a year, I have found the quality of life superior in Italy. There are always compromises and trade-offs in life. Each person needs to consider what is best for their happiness and safety. Thank you for your excellent insights.

I am in my 50's and have travelled the world extensively in my childhood ,youth and in my 40's. I actually found Italy to be one of the most warm country. We were taken in like family. Greece was so amazing also. Even Oman in Saudi. Borneo too. I found in the UK, the British were the most cold, ignorant and rude. I'm from Australia and i had some Brits ask if i had a pet Kangaroo and did i eat grubs. (i have blonde hair and far from an indigenous look.) I felt Italy is magical away from the big cities into the small country towns. You will be embraced like family and fed like a queen. We only knew a few words of Italian but they all spoke English to us. It's such a personal experience for each person. Imperfectly PERFECT. x

These things can apply to any country. The best friendships I have made were with locals who lived abroad for some time and returned back to their home country. They have different perspective on things.

We love living in Italy! We've got dual citizenship (USA/IT) - we're lucky. We left crazy and came to beautiful Italy.

It's true that Italy is very complicated to adapt to as a foreigner. What's important is to want to speak the language. If you succede, then the rest comes on it's own. It will come to the point where you'll be able to put order in all the confusion that exists in our way of being Italians. When that day comes, you'll never leave.

You could re-post this video, only replacing “Italy” and shots of the country with EVERY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

Attitude and your expectations are everything. After 18 years living in Mexico and 2 in Germany, I can say it is the same everywhere. It is Always harder out of your comfort zone and the ability to communicate makes a huge difference in your experience. Living abroad is not for everyone.

I was in tears listening to this. I live in Sicily, and feel so alone. I struggle with the language due to a disability I have. That paired with a rocky relationship and two children growing up the Italian way, it’s the hardest challenge I’ve ever faced,

i have lived and worked in Italy 3 times, in the Veneto and in Sicily, and I have a good overview. I initially moved there with a very romantic view after a difficult relationship . The positives, when Soring came, the sun, my teaching job and the food was a joy. Bit none of my friendships in Italy were genuine and a lot of Italians manipulated me a bit to get free English..I say a bit because thwy are very friendly on a superficial level. I stayed a year and the loneliness, and challemged made me into a very strong person which I'm grateful for. The second time, I left a grim corporate job and moved to Siracusa which is heartbreakingly beautiful. I had a great six months here with the usual difficulties, horrific red tape and toxic boss and exploitation, but my love for Italy outweighed it. Unfortunately during Covid I was laid off like an unwanted dog and had to flee back to the UK, where I was without a job and homeless. The school didn't care. It took me 2 years to get back on my feet and my savings again. I have ptsd from this experience and no longer travel.

Beautiful video and speech. As an Italian living in UK I can say I am going through similar difficulties and I don't regret my choice. I am understanding a lot about myself and about how we Italians are. Sometimes you have to step outside your world to look at the things from different perspectives. Buona fortuna 👍

As an italian born Australian , this is THE most honest account of life in and with Italians. But also in other countries, as the son of immigrants I grew up seeing , hearing and being discriminated against in a new land, but day by day and year by year respect through hard work and achievement was earned. Italy has its issues like most countries and people but my personally, I wake up every morning and that god I’m healthy and can visit Italy and my family.

Wow, I have the exact same feeling living in Ireland. Being a Brazilian foreigner living here for the past 4 years, up to now I could never really connect with anybody nor make any real friend. The language barrier is real and very often i feel like a child in an adult conversation.

Beautifully said , I am Italian , from an Italian mother and South African father. I was born and grew up in Rome, but live in SA, and I can relate to what you say . Good luck , if you need help with your Italian I’ll be happy to help 😊

Nice video. I have lived in Italy for over 20 years in the north. You hit the nail on the head. Italy is not for everyone but for those that find a way it is something special. You will never be accepted as a foreigner but it doesn't really matter. I decided to do my own thing and not seek 'friends' now I have been accepted. It can be a love_hate thing but at the end of the day it's an amazing country.

I decided to retire here and while it's beautiful everything you say is 100% correct. Beautiful yes, inexpensive yes, but I have never been more unhappy. It's time for people to tell the truth . Living here is a completely different story and it's nothing like what they show you on social media. The videos of breathtaking views and eating pizza is true but what they show you is the vacation version of Italy. Living here especially in the south is dysfunctional and if you do not have family and are alone it's even worse. I never imagined it would be this bad and I speak the language and was born here but unless you grow up here it's very hard.

I can relate in some ways but also know a lot of what I attracted back in the day was a reflection of my own inner wounds. Italy is Amazing & yet, just like everywhere else, has its superficial side. The more Aware you are of YourSelf, the easier You will be able to Assess & Discern the world around You! Italians don’t just show you how they are but they reveal You to YourSelf! I’ve seen all the levels & maintained beautiful friends around the world. I have Italian friends who have always been there for me when I needed them & there are those I hold in the regard they have shown themselves to me. No different than other places but honestly, in some ways, I felt more alive living in Italy 🇮🇹 than I have back in the US. I’ll be back soon enough. Thank You for sharing Your Raw Self & what you’re traversing in your life!

Definitely, all of the above. I lived there for 6 years and will return soon. Despite all of the negativity, It was a little better to deal with the brutal honesty of the negative than the covert negativity of the US.

Everything you say about friendships, family and not being fluent in Italian making you feel like a child - I have experienced myself. I am married to an Italian but live in London. I hope you are feeling better and that you find deep meaningful friendships.

I was 5 weeks in Palermo for holiday and I realized it's soo beautiful, but you NEED the language! Without it it doesn't make sense to move to another place. Language is soooo important to integrate. Also the Italians love it when you put some work in it and speak with them. They are really friendly and open! Your friendships would improve too. And now I learn every day 2-4 hours via the Apps Busuu, Duolingo, second hand books and KZfaq and films. After 37 days i can understand most of what is said in movies and its just so much fun to learn about their hilarious Humor and style of thinking. Also if you put the work in it it will go so fast!

There are always tradeoffs no doubt. I appreciate the honesty in your experiences related to living in Italy as a foreigner. I've come to terms that as a Canadian born to Italian parents, I can have a far more fulfilling life overall in Italy. My parents are from 2 hours south of Rome and Calabria. Being fluent in dialect and proper Italian, I'm aware of the difficulty of not being able to speak the language. I'm drawn to a simpler life, better weather, lower cost of real estate (depending where you choose to live), and the prospect of being part of a community in a smaller town. There are good a bad people everywhere but for myself it's an easy choice. It's far better than life in Canada.

I don't know Sorrento, I only spent a week there at the InterContinental hotel... But I spent 5 years in Sicily and I made a lot of friends (acquaintances?), I'm still in contact with most of them now that I live in France. How did I do that? I simply invited them to come for a drink and a barbecue on the terrace of my house. At least twice a week they would bring something to eat or drink and eventually a friend... They met all kinds of new people and everyone had a great time. There was always people in this big house, locals, old friends who came to enjoy the Mediterranean sea and food, family members on vacation with the kids or even couch surfers. I have traveled a lot in my life, since I was a child. So I know how hard it can be to make a really good friend later in life. But this is not specific to Italy. Chance is a huge factor, but you also have to be in the right frame of mind and get involved in social activities.

This is not just Italy this is just how it is. My dad experienced this in Sweden☹️

Poetic. Your compassionate yet brutal honesty is a much needed reality check. Quite grateful. Thanks.

This was pretty damn enlightening. I realized a few years back that uprooting yourself from the familiar is daunting, if not downright scary. I definitely give credit to you for establishing yourself in a new environment. I wish you the best and maybe, I’ll move abroad myself.

Definitely well narrated, but it was the exposure of the raw truth without extinguishing the imperfect yet perfect dream that kept me hooked to this video and subsequently subscribing. I too married to South African/ Italian fell inlove with the culture , the food, the people. So much so that I too wanted to move to Italy and start a new life. But those harsh realities against the backdrop of this dream has kept me guarded and level headed. I will continue to plan, explore and mitigate as I continue toward the dream of moving to Italy.

Ciao, è stato molto bello poter sentire le problematiche di una inglese in Italia. Tutto quello che dici, parola per parola, l'ho vissuto a Londra e non capivo una mazza di Cockney. Ora però ti dico due cose: primo, che anche per un italiano spesso è complicato vivere in Italia, e per quanto riguarda gli stranieri, hanno in testa un'Italia immaginata e di fantasia, un pò come se uno volesse conoscere Londra guardando i film di James Bond o la serie TV sui royals. Inoltre, la grande differenza tra i nostri due popoli è che voi siete stati abituati ad andare all'estero da padroni che hanno imposto la lingua inglese, mentre noi da fine 800 a oggi siamo emigrati in giro per il mondo, siamo al secondo posto dopo i cinesi, e ci siamo dovuti sempre adeguare, imparare la lingua obbligatoriamente, e subire spesso il razzismo. Eppure dovunque gli italiani siano andati hanno dato un contributo a quei paesi. Gli inglesi espatriano nelle loro ex colonie. Ciò detto, io ho visto persone obbligate a emigrare perché qui non c'era lavoro e pur con tutti i problemi del caso, li ho visti molto ben inseriti. Se non hai una reale necessità è meglio non emigrare, ci si trova meglio tra la propria gente. Mi sono trovato molto bene invece con i veri inglesi fuori Londra, persone veramente gentili anche se con una mentalità tutta loro.

Ty for this video. For almost 2 decades I believed that I had oh so close but missed out on my lifelong dream to move to and live permanently in France. This was When I was resident in the UK. Now I’m old I happened to read a book on someone who did just that. It was Petit Anglaise by Catherine Sanderson. Like your video it broke open the harsh reality. And reading it I was able to experience what my life as a young mother with rudimentary French in France would probably have been like. Miserable, lonely and not the dream I convinced myself of at all. Possible a highrisk for mental health issues too. I was struggling as it was in the UK to make meaningful friendships and I am a fluent English speaker. No, your video is so important, unfortunately. If only to seperate illusion from practical living. Surviving and thriving in the lonely planet called Elsewhere.

Moving to a country and living there for four years without learning the language and then complaining you feel isolated and restricted by being unable to communicate feels like potentially the most entitled and naive understanding of how the world works that I've heard from an adult. I've lived in three separate countries in the last 10 years, sure making friends as an expat is hard, but I think the unrealistic fantasy here is expecting the world to cater to you rather than putting in the required work to assimilate into the place you've chosen to call home.

I'm retiring in the next few years and wanted to move to Italy when winters in London get bad and summer's back to London, but your video has made me think very hard on my plans

Do you like reading? Reading an Italian book on a topic you are interested in or an Italian translation of a book you love in English (even poetry, magazines, the newspaper, or coffee table books), listening to music and writing the lyrics then singing it, and journaling in Italian can help synthesize the language so that you learn it like your learned English naturally as a child. Just look up the words you don’t understand and your brain will learn them. This has been my language hack throughout my life & has brought me joy. Maybe it can be useful for you? Your video is lovely. Well wishes from the USA 🌸

I'm italian (from south). You lady, created a geat video, illustrating all the contraddictions and giving perfectly the idea about what living in Italy really Is.

I love this video so so much. Some of the things you said were word for word, things that I have been thinking for the last five years. Thank you for the wonderful video!

I've been coming to Italy since I was a little boy. I do have many friends and some from childhood. But I understand how you feel about having friends. It is not easy. One negative I have found living in Italy is a sense of community. For me there is no sense of community. Sometimes I miss that. But I do think you need to learn Italian. You will experience a whole different world especially if you live in the south. It is a very beautiful language- so expressive. And if you begin studying the different dialects of the south, the language becomes even more expressive and can be very funny too. In any event I wish you luck! I am probably here for the next 5-7 years. My goal is to live in all the regions of Italy.

Geez, this really cleared my mind about this topic. Can’t thank you enough, you’re struggles have not gone it vein

Been here since 8 months and I find it extremely difficult, I don't know if it's just me, but oftentimes it feels like people are downright hostile. I came here to be with my boyfriend, but I'm seriously considering going back home again. (Not that it matters, but I have lived in 3 different countries before going to Italy, so I know the struggles of being a foreigner, but Italy definitely is the hardest of all of them). Sorry for ranting 😅

Unforgettable video, thank you for your honesty. Especially about jobs, its good to know what to look out for. I have experieneced nearly all of this in the US. I went to a catholic school, nearly everyone italian and it was just as you describe. So I hypothesize it all starts at home this italian-only mentality, family-family mentality, no individuality. You are either in or your out. Despite all that I am looking to move and still considering Italy. Just not expecting a fairytale at all.

This was beautiful and narrated. You did a very good job. I did not want it to end.

I think just like it is for foreigners here in the US, it’s a drastically different culture and language and it’s not until you embrace those differences entirely that you can make meaningful connections. It’s human to be untrusting of something new, untrusting of a foreigner trying to impart something foreign onto the culture and change it in some way. This is why many kind Americans love learning about other cultures, but we don’t have much patience for someone living here and unwilling to make the effort to learn our more commonly spoken language, English. We love learning about their culture but we don’t necessarily want to be slandered here for what an outsider doesn’t understand of our culture. In other words, No matter where you go, you must embrace the new and respect differences and remain optimistic. If you’re going to live in a country that speaks a different language from you, you need to make it a priority to learn that language. Period the end. Much like if you’re in a relationship with a foreigner, you must make it a priority to learn their language out of respect to them and just to be able to carry on conversations respectfully with your in-laws. Not to mention learning how to culturally address people respectfully in their language that a whole other part of learning the language.

Wow bless you. This has really touched my soul! I'm moving to Italy on the 9th short notice. I'm learning Italian as we speak. I couldn't imagine what it must be like not even being able to communicate ❤️

I really enjoyed your heartfelt perspective. Life is a journey and your "perfectly imperfect" view is right on!! We go to Sicily often and have property there, with a desire to retire there at half of the year. I study my Italian every day and I have learned that as long as you embrace and try when you are there, they will reciprocate! Thanks for sharing!!

Appreciate your honesty and transparency. Thank you!

Very nicely scripted and i totally agree with everything 👍I'm an expat myself for 13 years in the UK and how you described about Italy I can say very similarly about the UK. It was very hard at the beginning but years go by and you fall in love with the country and people..

Finding peace and comfort in where you are without expectations may expand gratitude but I deeply appreciate your perspective and insight. I wish you comfort and peace and hoping also that you can be kind and gentle with yourself. Our interactions and connections come in so many ways especially now with so many of us with family and friends all over the globe which can leave a longing stuck in our bellies. Moments to count each day upon positive interactions with people matter more than we realize. I enjoy southern Italy and perhaps I can enjoy extended trips Vs full time. Thank you for your service as an educator and best from California!

Your ideology resonates with me -most people are shallow-I’ve lived in the same place for decades and the exact people exist in my life-I’ve never found my tribe1-it must be intensified living there -I live in Hawaii and is the same insular,corrupt situation,despite the overwhelming natural beauty -i appreciate the straightforwardness of Italians-the food,the wine -I travel thee annually -

Thank you for your honesty! ❤

I've never had lots of friends, so lack of friends in Italy isn't really a deal breaker for me. There is a reason I'm a dog person. Is it a place with natural beauty? Is it an affordable place to live? Is it a place that is peaceful? Is the food good? Are the people healthy? These are the things that matter to me. I would go abroad just to get away from American politics and America's toxic culture. As a man, when I go on Tinder, I see nothing but beautiful, healthy women. In America, most of the women on Tinder where I live are fat, ugly, or covered in piercings and tattoos. It's disgusting and a real wake up call. I may not meet the love of my life in Italy, but at least the women are attractive to admire there when compared to the women in the U.S. Good video though ma'am. I appreciate any info on Italy I can get.

I don’t know but I find your voice very soothing, and love your narration, thanks for sharing

It's really great to know the details and especially your thoughts, as you've been living for a long time.

Great video. You kept it real about living in Italy. I currently live here with my family 2 1/2 years and 3 more to go. We live in Naples and have a big groups of friends here and locals. I should be doing the same putting out videos about living here. We’ve been blessed to travel over 14 countries out here I need to spread the knowledge.

Very wise commentary, i appreciate your approach on how you explained life in italy. A lot of the more double-edged points you made are thoughts I think about too, but you dont often hear about them expressed with the necessary perspective.

I can resonate with every single part of this having lived in ABRUZZO now 6 years and set up business here which is very different from that of the UK it’s definitely had its challenges both personally and in work. It is for sure PERFECTLY IMPERFECT. Thanks for sharing the truths 😊

It's very simplistic to divide Italy in to north and south, and also very Anglo Saxon. In Italy there are dozen of different local situations, and pratically every city has its own cultural background of many centuries which influences every day life and way of life. Even at mealtimes, when going to work, in relationship with politic and religion.

Beautiful. You have a lovely way with words. Obviously Italy inspires you on some level

Thank you for the dose of reality. It is so easy to dream of another life and so many videos romanticizing it

Love this. Thank you for sharing.

You were very courageous to pick southern Italy, my hat's off to you! I think you are doing quite well!

Great honest presentation of your experience. Thank you.

The problem of exploiting people in the work place and the gift of criticism are two very definite realities. And yes cross cultural romantic relationships (with Italians) are complicated.

Thank you for bringing your wisdom and vulnerabilities making this a truly real video. Much appreciated! ❤

La tua storia è bellissima! Il video è stato molto piacevole da guardare e riflettere. Your story is beautiful! The video was very enjoyable to watch and reflect on❤️

I travelled Italy from Germany for 2 weeks and I fell in love. It has culture and contentment for lives. from Bangladesh. 😮

I love this video is so real raw and eyes opening. I tent to romanticize Italy a lot is important to also see things in a clear way. Thank you for sharing this ❤️🙏

Enjoyed it very much. Thx sir. Quick question…, these houses can be left alone or vacant for an extended amount of time since Expads can stay in Italy only 90 days a year ……???

You explained your feelings SO well! It is how I felt living in Mexico for 9 years. Thank you for sharing. Most will not understand until they live it. I appreciate your understanding.

I appreciate your sincere point of view.. It is hard to live in other country with a different language but at the end it is rewarding.. 🤗🐾

Desire isn’t enough. It takes discipline. This world we live in will show you there are 2 types of people. Ones who are distracted and those who are disciplined and stay focused. You can become that other person at any point. Figure out what makes you stick to things. Curiosity is sometimes a gift sometimes a curse. Make a commitment to yourself that you will learn something and study it hard and diligently. Also you can always deepen your relationship with people and you can always choose gratitude of it all. Experience

I was totally absorbed with this video - brilliant 👏 thank you

your experiences of living an "x pat" life are interesting and your description insightful. Thanks for putting the time into producing this. Wish you God's speed in your new country.

My sister met an Italian man when she was visiting our family in Italy. My sister married the Italian man, he was a real smooth talker and she moved to central Italy .He beat my sister , she called the Italian Police, they did not help her because she was an American , my sister was born and raised in Canada. They say people in Italy , also call Australians Americans.

super appreciate your honesty and transparency -

Best reflected video I have seen in a looooong time - all the best to you..

Beautifully said! I've been an expat a few times, in a few places, and you've described the experience very well.

What you are describing is not just specific to Italy. All these issues are present everywhere.

I am also international student living in Salerno from 2 years and I am totally agreed with your opinion. First of all I was much good and interested in speaking Italian but now I have not any more interest to learn more having experience that it would not have any better impact to make good connections with Italian community.

Very good video. Very interesting, real experiences. That is obvious. Especially interesting what you said about friendship in Italy. I think true friends are very difficult to find, and not only in Italy but everywhere in the world. The term friendship is often given too easily to people these days everywhere. True friends support you in your difficult and easy moments, and accept you for who you really are.

This is what it feels when you uproot to a foreign country. I have the same experience moving to Australia, Italy and London. For you it just happens to be Salerno.

Thanks for your honesty. Thanks for showing the beauty of your heart. Thanks for this clip. It was real!

I see that you're still replying to new comments... I know what you've been through. I also experienced a slightly different kind of feeling, I was in Spain for my Erasmus at an event I was surrounded by Spaniards only. I could understand 95% of what I heard, but I felt like I had the conversational skills of a 6 years old. I'm also an Italian trainee lawyer who wishes to relocate to Finland after passing the bar exam. I know that the isolation and loneliness will be almost unbearable, but these kind of efforts always pay back in the long run. Thank you for being so persistent about living in my country, I really appreciate it. If you learn the language well enough you will have really good job prospects in Milan

You really did a great job on this video. 👍👍

Please DO MORE OF THESE break down each thing...friendships, language learning etc...But yes I do think your reluctance in learning Italian is the reason...what is UNDERNEATH THAT???

I think being there alone would be hard. Probably if you had a partner it would have been much more easy. I have heard many wonderful stories about people moving to southern Italy from California and people embrace them. So I guess it is always our energy that attracts most things in our life.

italy isnt for you maybe? the problems you mentioned in the beginning are valid and true. Friendships? Not sure. You are either in the wrong circle and should try other places and circles, or simply you dont connect with italians. I moved to italy last year(Rome) and i have more friends than ever before. Real friends. Friends that will show up at my door at midnight if i need something not only people to go for drinks. In america or germany friendships are much harder, imo. Americans are great with acquaintances, having fun, having small talks, partying, talking regularly, superficially, but very difficult to break the barriers to real friendship where someone actually shares personal problems and becomes a true friend. I have good friends in different countries, but in italy was truly easy to make good friends, but i click with italians. I have another foreign friend here who complained about the same thing like you. living in italy 10+ years and isolated, no friends at all. They are wonderful people but probably too serious for italians and cant connect with them. Sitting in a corner not being involved is def. not the best with italians. makes them feel they are boring, and you dont like them although you are probably just shy and dont speak the language. It is fine in many countries but not really in italy.. you have to make them feel they are good company and engage as much as you can. I say the few words i know in italian, teasing them all the time about their stereotypes, about being loud, eating the pizza all the time. When you break these barriers with them they think you are one of them so they start sharing actual life matters with you not only laughs. i think for many italians people from the west are too serious, materialistic(because italians dont have money..) and look down on "dumb italians". you start living like them and act according to their lifestyle they take you in. it is hard if you are a different personality, but i felt home from day 1 when i moved there and people feel it on me too. Makes a huge difference. i hope this helps if you want to stay in italy. cheers.

Awesome. Thanks for your sharing

What a depressing session. Cmon girl. I live in Milano and I can’t imagine myself living somewhere else

wow. powerful message. thank you.

You can't hope to fully integrate into a community if you don't handle its language well enough, and this applies not only to nations, but also to the most diverse social groups: could you ever attend a book club if you've never read one? If, as you say, you didn't feel the urge, to learn the Italian language, well, then, maybe Italy is not for you.

Hello Claire, I've just come across your video. I can totally understand your account of your experiences here in Italy. I moved from Kent (UK) to the province of Salerno over 40 years ago. Everything you say here is true. It's still difficult to fit in sometimes, even after all these years. However, I wouldn't live anywhere else! Living in a small town, I actually love the less complicated way of life. England has changed too much over the years..... I don't want to say anything too negative about it. It's just not for me any more. So, dear MsBritaly (love the name btw!), persevere. You're here for a reason. You'll love Italy with all your heart one day ❤

Interesting and nicely narrated

Thank you for the insight info👍❤

The poverty of sections of Naples, Palermo, etc is mind boggling.

I enjoyed watching this!

Absolutely spot on and I’m getting through it too.

Watching this video makes me think about moving to Ireland or Scotland rather than Italy... It actually reminded me that some of the coolest people I have met while traveling around Europe are British... I'm American BTW...

Very authentic video. I love how you speak of the good and the bad in a heartfelt way. Im trying to get my Italian citizenship and Im married to a Tuscan woman. Id love to move to Italy someday if possible. Cheers from the US

Well said, I could relate to your perspective and appreciate the realism of just how we’re wired as humans, British, Italian, American etc. I’m 73, and met my Italian relatives in northern Italy, super sweet folks, but my attraction is to the southern part of the country. I’ll be staying in the south for a month, to see if I want to move there and am grateful for all the posts I’m viewing, to prep for my trip. Thank you❤️

This video is not about Italy, it's about you... 🤷‍♂️

Your narration and tone really resonated. I lived the first 9 years of my life in Italy then moved to UK and now live around the world but always avoided (saved till last?) Italy. They say Italy is great to holiday but terrible to live in! I too find it's hard to penetrate social circles in Italy despite being Italian and speaking Italian. The British love eccentrics and outsiders and after a few drinks will make lifelong friends. But in Italy they will court and flatter you on the 1st day and forget about you the next. Are you still in Salerno? be good to meet one day. decipheritalian translator.