They say we all get 15 minutes of fame and I think this might be the time for us.
As many of you have already been made aware, the New York Times just published an article about us and our adventure in Italy. It was instigated by our daughter, Jamie, in response to their requests for ideas for their “It’s Never Too Late” series. We found out that they were going to work on our story when we were in the United States back in August.
Because the story centers on her long held dream of living in Italy coming to fruition, the article centers on her and I tag along for the ride. Holly consented to many interviews and a flurry of email exchanges with the author, Alix Strauss, over the last several months to flesh out the details.
For those of you who have not read it yet, here is a link (you may have to sign up for a free account) to the story. I hope you enjoy it.
It’s Never Too Late to Pick Up Your Life and Move to Italy – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Jon my husband and I are in Padova as well! We would like to get in contact.
Jim, I hope you don’t receive this message twice, but for some reason it didn’t seem to work. We enjoyed the article in the NYT and were impressed by your perseverance. Our situation, Monica and Ed, was a bit easier, because Monica is Italian and I’m from the states. Regardless it would be nice to meet you all over an aperitivo. Ed
Sorry Jim it was a typo in writing your name!
Jim, Monica’s spouse Ed. We really enjoyed reading the article in the NYT and are impressed by your perseverance in making your way in Italy. I’m from the states and Monica is Italian, so the transition was much easier. Hope to hear from you. Ed
Thanks for sharing Jim – about the same age as you when you retired. Food for thought. So happy you are REALLY LIVING!! Great inspiration!!
Thank you for sharing Jim. What a wonderful piece. Holly’s dream is an inspiration.
Jim and Holly,
Great move! Great piece! I have just returned from filming near you at Zanta Pianoforte in Dola. You should put this on your list to visit! Wonderful people there!
Hi Allan, we will certainly put that on our list. Thank you for the tip! Jim
Dear Holly and Jim, I am Italian American and lived in Rome for a year, as well as many trips throughout my life. I read the article about you in the NY Times. I have a question; How did you manage your US citizenship? I am in the process of possibly getting my dual citizenship, but my great grandparents naturalization year will matter as to my ability to do so. I have requested their naturalization paperwork from the US government, but do not yet know. Have you become Italian citizens? If not, how do you manage to live there? Interestingly, my daughters and I spent about ten days in Lecce a few years ago while spending a month in Puglia. It is where I would like to live if I move to Italy…what a coincidence! Mi piacerebbe parlarvi di la vostra esperienza! Grazia mille, Stephanie Bagliani
Hello Stephanie, Our situation is slightly different than yours. We entered on what is called an Elective Residence Visa. It is for people that do not need to work here in Italy and the visa specifically forbids employment here. Since we are retired, it works well for us. It sounds like you will be in a different position when and if you make the move. I envy your ability to possibly attain your citizenship. We, however, need to apply for what is called a Permesso di Soggiorno every year. After five years, we were able to apply for a long-term (10 year) permesso, and just completed that process yesterday. We are waiting for the actual documents. They say it will be 30-40 days. After 10 years we can apply for citizenship and we will see about that when the time comes. Prego, Jim Herrmann P.S. We loved Lecce and only moved because we wanted it to be a little easier to reach the rest of Europe.
I just tried to comment, not sure if it worked bc I don’t see it.
Dear Holly and Jim, I am Italian American and lived in Rome for a year a few years ago. I have traveled extensively throughout Italy my entire life. I am seriously thinking about moving to Italy for good from the USA. Can you tell me how you managed your citizenship? Did you get dual citizenship, are you in the process of becoming Italian citizens? I look forward to your reply. Thank you! Stephanie
Hi Jim and Holly, my fiancee Shannon and I are planning a similar move, to Trieste, in the fall of 2022. I’m dual US/Italian citizen, so hoping that will ease the bureaucratic side of things. Would love to hear any advice you have about how to put all the arrangements in place, how you learned Italian, etc. Thanks, great story!
It’s a great article, Jim. It is an honor to have people like Holly and you in Italy.
Ciao Salavatore! Grazie per il tuo voto di fiducia.