Winnifred's activity

Welcome - like you we have put a deposit on a place in Polinago, Emilia Romagna and will be coming over for final settlement in November.  We hope to transfer in the longer term, from Australia next June. We are really excited at the prospect of working on restoring our farmhouse over the next couple of years!

I think you are doing better than us at the moment in the Ashes but I know we couldn't stay on top for ever. We have plans to go to Italy in April 2010 as several of us are hitting the big 60 next year and we will celebrate in style.  We are renting a house from a Brit in Montone (northern Umbria) and then looking at somewhere near the Cinque Terre. We will be looking at realestate while we are in Italy as the plan is to spend 2012 working on a 'project' if we have found a place.  We have seen a semi ruin, or should I say 'project' on  a website in the mountains of Emiglia Romagna in a small village which appeals to us as we could also rent it out.  We like the area as we stayed in a delightful little B&B last year in a little town called Aquaria Al 211 the internet, and spent several days driving around the area. I also like the look (on the net) of Piemonte but would still need to visit there.  Northern Toscana is also delightful.  I am reluctant to go south of Roma, again the distance, but also it is a dry as Australia and we have enough of that here.  But let's see what the GFC does in the next few months and for the moment will keep on dreaming.  Anyway, the right thing will come at the right time and in the meanwhile, it's off to work again tomorrow.Have a good weekWinnifred

Thanks Conrad - it is great to hear that I am not unique in dreaming of living once again in Italy.  Yes, once we have a place we would like to spend half our time there.  Australia is a magificient country but one can never choose where your heart will go.  I can relate clearly to your desire to return when you retire.I agree with the stereotyping of Italians by many - we have also done it to the Brits.  I have met many wonderful British people during my travels and two of my dearest friends are British, but interestingly also have their hearts in Italy!!!So Conrad - let's see who gets there first?   You do have a distinct advantage in that you live a lot closer!!!Ciao a prestoWinnifred

Hi Valentina, I too hope you will come to Australia one day, but be prepared for a very different country and society.For me the difference is the historic buildings and way of life in Italy.  Australia is so young in regard to buildings and culture; with a society which is a cross between UK and America - relaxed, open and friendly with (I hope I dont offend anyone) a little more worldliness than the USA. On the other hand, we have a natural heritage that is amongst the oldest with an indigenous culture which is at least 40 - 60,00 years old and when one travels to places in Central Australia absolutely awe inspiring.Nevertheless, I have loved Italy since I first went there in 1972 as a young traveller.  I remember writing home to say 'my soul has arrived home' and that feeling has never left me, regardless of living there, many, many visits backwards and forwards, and my two lovely half Italian daughters.I hope that you will come here one day and am happy to answer any questions you may have.Have a wonderful day.Winnifred 

Hi GalaSorry for not replying sooner, but have been flat out with work. Thankyou for your welcome and helpful hints - I am envious of your watermill!!  We are looking at doing a 'project' (probably more fool us) and contemplate living in Italy for at least 12 months to do so.  We love southern Emilia Romagna/northern Toscana and have seen some wrecks on line.  We will be in Italy next April to go house hunting and have already seen a place of interest in the small village of Cinquecerre about 20kms from Castelnovo n' Monti. We are looking for something preferably in a village so that it hopefully locals will keep an eye on it.I was married to an Italian and consequently have citizenship although my current husband doesnt and we will visit the embassy in the near future to see if I can obtain it for him. I have two daughters who also have dual citizenship so it is most helpful.  I am still very close to all the Italian relatives and have a good relationship with them but they all live in Roma.Thank  you Gala for your kind offer to answer questions, and I am sure I will have many.  This site is great - as today I have learnt a great deal about buying a car!!!Best wishes from a cold Canberra winter's evening.Winnifred