206. One month in to our new life in Italy!

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences after living in Italy for almost a month. They discuss the daily adjustments, from understanding local customs to enjoying Italian cuisine. Key Points: The Italian Tabacchi: More Than Meets the Eye: Kimberly and Tommaso explain how a “tabacchi” in Italy serves multiple purposes beyond selling cigarettes. It is a place to purchase a “Marco da Bolo,” a stamp needed for immigration applications. This discovery highlights the unique role of local establishments in daily Italian life. The Rhythm of Reposo: Kimberly and Tommaso describe the challenge of adapting to store closing times for “riposo” or “pausa,” the Italian equivalent of a siesta. Store hours vary, making it tricky to plan errands. They joke about needing a spreadsheet or an “Airtable database” to keep track of business hours. These closures offer a peaceful atmosphere, especially during midday, creating a quiet charm in the streets. Grocery Shopping Adventures: A humorous incident occurs when Kimberly attempts to bring a two-wheel shopping cart into a grocery store. She learns that these carts are not allowed inside due to unspoken rules. Kimberly ‘s New York City instincts made her hesitant to leave her cart unattended. The grocery manager’s reaction to her concern about theft provides a moment of cultural contrast. A Culinary Awakening: Kimberly and express their delight in the quality and accessibility of Italian food. Small “alimentaries” (local markets) specialize in different products, from prosciutto to Parmigiano. Even simple roasted vegetables become a culinary revelation due to the fresh ingredients and olive oil. They highlight the artistic display of food in shops, which makes shopping a visually appealing experience. The Echoes of History: Living in a village with roots dating back to the Bronze Age give Kimberly and Tommaso a deeper appreciation for history. The Venetian architecture in their village adds to its charm. Tommaso Il Favoloso reflects on his lifelong dream of living in Europe and the magical feeling of making Italy his home. Ciao!