Ilene Blessing Modica's activity

Questions Asked

My husband, Gary & I will be moving to Italy next year; living 6-months in the north and then 6-months in the southern area just to get an idea of both regions and where we might want to end up if we stay.We have pretty much determined that Pa

Sun, 06/07/2015 - 20:51

My husband and I will be moving to Italy March/April 2016.

Fri, 05/15/2015 - 18:17

Comments posted

Wed, 12/23/2015 - 22:34

It is a process, that is for sure. We are awaiting our Italian passports after being approved for duel citizenship. We are in Arizona so we had to go to LA. Our wait time wasn't quite that bad. Sold our house and moving next year. Ouritalianjourney.com

Wed, 12/23/2015 - 22:30

Best bet is to contact Homeland Security to find out when they naturalized. If your grandfather was born before your great grandfather became a citizen and your grandfather did not become a citizen then you could apply under him. Another thought is to make an appointment with your local Italian Consulate. They can help you too. After 3 years and some $ we have been approved for duel citizenship and are awaiting our Italian passports. We plan to move next year and try it for one year. Our blog is: ouritalianjourney.com

Mon, 06/22/2015 - 12:03

I completly understand what you are saying. We are trying to pick a location further south so it wouldn't be as expensive to venture out and explore. Our original thought was to choose three locations (north, central, south) and spend 4 months in each. We figured that might be too much moving around.We are just trying to find a central "southern" location so we can call it a home base and explore from there. I hope that makes sense.  This way after a year, we will have a better idea where we want to set our roots - if indeed we decide to stay (which we are sure we will!!)

Mon, 06/22/2015 - 11:59

I completly understand what you are saying. We are trying to pick a location further south so it wouldn't be as expensive to venture out and explore. Our original thought was to choose three locations (north, central, south) and spend 4 months in each. We figured that might be too much moving around.We are just trying to find a central "southern" location so we can call it a home base and explore from there. I hope that makes sense.

Mon, 06/08/2015 - 11:28

I agree. Choosing a town in the southern area is not going to be easy. Of course we are looking at costs which is the worst part. Sorrento would definately be my first choice even though it is not central but utilities and rent are high. Not thrilled about the thought of Naples (my point of view).Still, we have to find something with transportation as we are not planning on getting a car. Hope others might have some ideas.

Fri, 05/22/2015 - 15:38

Thank you for your insight. Sounds pretty good and quite reasonable and logical.Curious about your comment regarding converters. How are they different there rather than purchased here and brought with us?Ilene

Mon, 05/18/2015 - 11:11

True, true. I just didn't know if my stick mixer (which I can't seem to live without) is worth bringing but I guess its small enough that it would be worth it. My large KitchenAid mixer, though I can't live without that either - I guess if we stay would have to purchase one there.We actually purchased a power strip (note to self- purchase another before we go) that has a USB port in it too. Great trip for anyone traveling.Thank you!!!!

Sat, 05/16/2015 - 15:47

We are not definite on where we will start as you are correct, weather is going to play a good part of our decision. We just figure that it would cost less in transportation to live in the three areas - explore all we can while in that area vs. living centrally and traveling from one spot. It would be a lot of hotel costs added with that concept.I was just wondering for those people who have made the move if there was anything they wish they had brought with them after experiencing without.I'll check out the sites you provided. Thank you!!!

Fri, 05/15/2015 - 12:29

GREAT Info!!  My husband and I are currently living in Phoenix, AZ (last 27 years - originally from NY) and we are planning to move to Italy March/April next year.We are in the stages of downsizing and getting ready to sell the house. You have such great information and I am conserned about what to bring and what to leave. Your point of very little storage concerns me about brining too much. Do you have any particular advice on kitchen items (I know we will rent a furnished apt but...) and on clothes, personal items, etc.  If we decide to stay, what will I adventually want to have had from the US that I shouldn't give away.We are currently obtaining our dual citizenship so we don't have to hassle with checking in with police, etc. We are also planning on a year to decide (we have 7 grandchildren that I'm afraid I might miss too much to stay) Our plan is to rent 4 months in the north, central and south and then determine if we stay- and if staying - where to live.  If your answer is too much to post here, could you reply to:  ouritalianjourney@gmail.com.  Thank you so very much. An insider's assistance and knowledge is so valuable!!

Fri, 05/15/2015 - 11:48

This has indeed been a great subject - posts and replies. I am keeping a great deal of this information for later on in the year and will be getting back in touch (more than likely) with several of you for rental information. Thank you so much, everyone!!(We have not only created, as mentioned previously our blog:  ouritalianjourney.blogspot.com but a FB Page Our Italian Journey, ID#261124297239337) We are posting things about our efforts to obtain dual citizenship to move next year along with helpful information (according to some) and plan to use the blog more when we arrive in Italy. This site seems like great information and great people. Would love for any of you to "Like" us and follow and also add your information. Thanks!!!!!