Pink Italy: Expat Ladies Living in Italy
Welcome to Pink Italy!

Join the forum, it's quick and easy

Pink Italy: Expat Ladies Living in Italy
Welcome to Pink Italy!
Pink Italy: Expat Ladies Living in Italy
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
Pink Italy: Expat Ladies Living in Italy

A forum for expat women living in Italy, to swap ideas, make friends and seek advice!


You are not connected. Please login or register

Hi from Torino!

+4
rkabruzzo
Lizzie
ClareRoma
MicheleG
8 posters

Go down  Message [Page 1 of 1]

1Hi from Torino! Empty Hi from Torino! 14th October 2009, 4:38 pm

MicheleG

MicheleG

Hello, Pink Ladies (I loved the movie "Grease")!

My name is Michele, which has created a lot of confusion here in Italy, especially when the Italians read that I am married to Giulio. Very Happy In any case, I arrived here in Torino permanently on May 5, 2009, in order to marry the aforementioned Giulio, my Italian fidanzato. Since that day I've been embroiled in all the usual expat things, like paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork.

I used to live in Los Angeles, where I was for 20 years. I quit my job of 15 years in April and donated or sold (mostly donated) just about everything I owned to come over here, including the car I had just paid off. I miss my car.... Crying or Very sad

I feel lucky that I am living in the city where I wanted to live, have married a wonderful man, and that I already knew at least a few people here in Torino (and elsewhere in Italy). I also already speak the language, at least at an intermediate-advanced level, so that has helped a lot. However, I recently have been feeling the pain of not having any close friends here. I have gotten somewhat discouraged by how difficult it's been to stay in touch with the women I did happen to know here before I moved here (you know, when you are on vacation, everybody runs to see you -- once you live here, it's another story altogether), and also have found the Torinese character trait of discretion pretty hard to understand and most certainly hard to relate to. As I told a friend of mine the other day, my personality works great at home but here...I often feel like I'm stepping on toes just by asking simple questions.

Anyway, I found this forum through a post on the Expat Talk website, where some of you may be members, too.

I hope to contribute whatever information I can, and hope to at least meet some of you somewhere along the way.

Michele flower

2Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 15th October 2009, 12:04 am

ClareRoma

ClareRoma
Admin

Hello Michele!

Welcome to the forum! if you are ever in Roma let me know and we can meet up Very Happy

I know how hard it can be living here! Especially trying to make close friends! But dont worry there are loads of friendly people on this board Very Happy

https://pinkitaly.forumotion.com

3Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 15th October 2009, 10:13 am

Lizzie

Lizzie

ditto

come to ROme...we are really nice!!!

4Hi from Torino! Empty Thanks! 15th October 2009, 3:15 pm

MicheleG

MicheleG

Thanks, Rome ladies! Next time I am there, I will let you know. Very Happy

Now, a quick question: is there a way I can put my photo with my name, or is only the administrators who have that feature? Sorry, I wasn't able to locate the function under my profile. Thank you....

5Hi from Torino! Empty Duh - got the photo! 15th October 2009, 3:24 pm

MicheleG

MicheleG

Never mind. I think I was trying to upload a photo that was too large....

Here I am! Smile

6Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 15th October 2009, 6:49 pm

ClareRoma

ClareRoma
Admin

YAY!! cheers

https://pinkitaly.forumotion.com

7Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 20th October 2009, 6:54 pm

rkabruzzo

rkabruzzo

Hi Michele - nice to meet you! I'm from the west coast US too. I know what you mean about stepping on toes. You definitely get to feeling less comfortable than you did back in the US... I also go through phases where I just wish I could sit down and chat with someone who understood where I came from without having to explain everything about my culture Sad-

It is SO hard keeping in touch with my close friends, too. The time difference makes it sooooo hard. It's hard enough getting on the phone with busy friends in the same state... but when you put in 9 hours of time-zone diff, it's a real pain. I miss the ease of just picking up the phone and calling someone when I'm in the mood, instead of "when it will work".

I use skype for all phone calls... at least it's cheap. I ordered a skype phone and hooked it up to my computer so I can walk around the house cordless when i talk. I found that being stuck to the computer just made me feel worse about talking on the phone.

Now that the COLD has arrived... hope you enjoy yourself up there in iceland!!! un bacio Smile
rachel

8Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 21st October 2009, 12:28 pm

MicheleG

MicheleG

Hi, Rachel!

Nice to meet you, too! I'm glad I found this website. It's nice to meet some other non-Italian women...seeing as how I haven't much luck with the Italian women. It's so weird because I remember when I was first coming to Italy on vacation. My first friends here were stranieri. Okay, makes sense -- I made friends with people where I was staying since I was traveling alone. Little by little I have made Italian friends, male and female, but I would say the hardest group to get to know is the Italian women, which I didn't expect (I expected that Italian men were never actually my "friends" and either wanted to use me for an avventura or to do some other kind of favor like translating things or receiving and then mailing packages in the U.S. -- yes, I've had that, too!). I also know that when you're not on vacation anymore things are different, and I expected that, but I didn't expect that I would kind of be dropped like a rock, including by the friend who was my witness at my wedding! Now she seems scocciata (annoyed) if I even try to call her. I'm sure I'm taking it too personally, but still....

Yeah, the keeping in touch thing is really hard. I use Skype, too, but I have no internet access on the weekends, when most people are available to talk. But I can totally relate to that feeling of obligation to make a phone call. Lately the only way I've been able to actually connect is by making appointments. You feel tied to the computer when maybe you'd rather be doing something else. When I go back to the U.S. I should check on an actual Skype phone, though, because at least then I could walk around with it and talk.

Brrr, it IS a little bit cold up here, but I can't figure out why it feels so cold since the temperature isn't that bad (maybe about 52 degrees Fahrenheit right now). I think it's because it went from hot to this all of a sudden, plus it's been kind of breezy and it's humid. But they're forecasting mid-60s for the weekend so that will be nice!

Buona giornata e un bacio!
-Michele

9Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 19th November 2009, 2:52 pm

Lilly

Lilly

Hi Michelle,

Great, just found your intro..Am new to the forum so still cruising around to find my way.
Well, dear, I might have been born in this country of Italy, but I too complitely relate to your feeling of stepping on toes...
oh yeah! let me set this straight! customer service here and customer service in the U.S. are complitely different!!
And if anyone reads this and gets offended, you shall come to my area and see...how sweet people are especially in the Vercelli province. Torino actually seems a bit lighter...in my experience, more patient and not so rude like they are here.

Also, complitely agree, when you visit they are all over you. It looks glamourous, especially when you come from the US. When I used to come here to visit my family and I was living in the Western US at the time, everyone here! was excited to see me. I had a packded schedule.
Now--that I have returned as the regular joe...for business and to sell the farm my grandparents owned, people are not so excitec anymore...everyone is busy, and well, am busy too, but that's no excuse. It seems as life goes...everyone has lost the excitement of me being back.

Well, don't want to complain, am however, only stating the facts unfortunately.
I hear you and if you ever want to get together let me know. Am in a small village called Borgo d'Ale staying at a B&B of my friends Khudai and Klaus, a lovely German italian couple, my only solace here...they are wonderful!

The rest for me...comes down to the daily routines of finding real estate agencies, dealing with some renters who rent the land my family had, and so many small, annoying but necessery things to do here, paying bills etc. Trying to get rid of this so I can live my life again!!!!!

Well, if there is anything I can be of help with, feel free to contact me via email at mpagrad@gmail.com

All the best,
ciao Very Happy

http://cascinarenzo.com/whatisit/whatisit.html

10Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 19th November 2009, 6:52 pm

ClareRoma

ClareRoma
Admin

Nice to meet you Lilly Very Happy welcome to the forum!

https://pinkitaly.forumotion.com

11Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 20th November 2009, 1:41 am

Lilly

Lilly

Thank you, I appreciate it. Smile
This is my first forum besides the expat blog which do visit only once in a while.

Here in Piemonte, no good weather Sad
Used to live in Bend, OR...aka, paradise.
flower
Lucky you guys probably have some sunny days at least in the capitale?

http://cascinarenzo.com/whatisit/whatisit.html

12Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 20th November 2009, 9:39 am

Lizzie

Lizzie

Ciao Lilly
It's been rather gorgeous the last few days 22-24, not bad for November eh!, but we had a rubbish Oct.

13Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 6th January 2010, 7:04 pm

marzano4u

marzano4u

Ciao!

I live in Chicago and my plan is to move to Torino in late May. I hope to stay at least a year. I will need an apartment, a JOB, and friends!! I am going alone. I have reached a time in life where I want to start living, rather than existing which is what I've been doing for the past several years. I do not speak Italian, but am beginning a course this semester. I'd love to hear from you all...and advice will be well received!! I will need to know everthing...what to bring, NOT to bring, how to handle money, etc.. Grazie, and I hope to hear from you!!

Rosemary Marzano

14Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 6th January 2010, 8:09 pm

Lizzie

Lizzie

Hi and welcome Rosemary Hi from Torino! Icon_biggrin . Just out of curiosity....why Torino???

15Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 6th January 2010, 8:39 pm

marzano4u

marzano4u

While I was searching the job market, I noticed a posting in Torino at a day care center and corresponded with them...unfortunately they needed me to come sooner than I was able. I checked out the area and it seemed to be in a great location, near the French Swiss border and easy access to the rest of Italy of course. An industrialized city may have better access for jobs, public transportation,and hopefully living expenses would not be as high as in a high tourist area. What are your thoughts?

16Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 6th January 2010, 8:47 pm

Lizzie

Lizzie

I've only ever heard that it is an ugly industrial city...but I know NOTHING about it and all your reasonings seem sound. Let's ask Michelle...she's there..........
Have you looked into work permits? I have read on the expats site that it is difficult for US citizens to get visas, but again I know nothing about it! (useful aren't I!!!)

17Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 6th January 2010, 8:49 pm

marzano4u

marzano4u

I am coming as (dual) Italian citizen.

18Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 7th January 2010, 12:48 pm

Lizzie

Lizzie

fantastic!

19Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 9th January 2010, 12:52 am

rkabruzzo

rkabruzzo

Hi Rosemary!
A lot has been posted on here regarding food items /what to bring/not to bring. Can't remember exactly under what title, but you might find it useful.
Talk to you soon -
Rachel

20Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 9th January 2010, 1:02 am

marzano4u

marzano4u

Thank you Rachel..I will try to find the information!

Smile

21Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 9th January 2010, 2:10 am

lmarmstrong66

lmarmstrong66

Hello ladies and newcomers alike!
Okay, so I just came back from a Christmas vacation in Canada and honestly it feels colder here in Genova! My theory is that the cold here is damp and in Canada it is dry. Also, none of the houses here have central heating or so it seems and those cold marble floors are gorgeous but a bit chilly when you step outta bed!

Anyways, I concur with the group about how the "novelty wears off". I have experienced the same thing here in Genova. People at first are curious about you then they drop you like yesterdays news...Italians are a bit fickle that way, but then again so are most people. Even when I go back to Canada for a visit, if I stay longer than 3 weeks they are bored with having me around, so I leave : )

I spend a lot of lonely nights...that's the most difficult for me. Have often thought about getting Sky TV, but I don't want to pay that much money just to watch English TV. So for now I surf the net.

Feel free to visit me in Genova : )
Very Happy

http://www.lmarmstrong66.wordpress.com

22Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 9th January 2010, 6:06 pm

rkabruzzo

rkabruzzo

lmarmstrong66 wrote:Hello ladies and newcomers alike!
Okay, so I just came back from a Christmas vacation in Canada and honestly it feels colder here in Genova! My theory is that the cold here is damp and in Canada it is dry. Also, none of the houses here have central heating or so it seems and those cold marble floors are gorgeous but a bit chilly when you step outta bed!

Anyways, I concur with the group about how the "novelty wears off". I have experienced the same thing here in Genova. People at first are curious about you then they drop you like yesterdays news...Italians are a bit fickle that way, but then again so are most people. Even when I go back to Canada for a visit, if I stay longer than 3 weeks they are bored with having me around, so I leave : )

I spend a lot of lonely nights...that's the most difficult for me. Have often thought about getting Sky TV, but I don't want to pay that much money just to watch English TV. So for now I surf the net.

Feel free to visit me in Genova : )
Very Happy

yeah, i miss my carpeted apartments Smile hot and dusty as they were! i highly recommend skyTV however. The regular italian channels (raiuno, due, tre, rete quattro, canale 5, etc) have really very little to offer! I find it very comforting to watch TV in english. My problem is the opposite, however, I have sky but I don't have time to watch TV anymore with a 2-yr-old around. She watches a little TV on sky (BabyTV channel 620) That is the best channel i've ever seen for toddlers!

Ciao!
Rachel

23Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 16th January 2010, 9:12 pm

jmisgro

jmisgro

number one thing...you need residency to do anything. Open a bank account, buy a car.

http://www.litlequeenrules.blogspot.com

24Hi from Torino! Empty Re: Hi from Torino! 16th January 2010, 9:16 pm

jmisgro

jmisgro

Rosemary have you been on expatsinitaly.com?
There a bunch of info on there.

http://www.litlequeenrules.blogspot.com

Sponsored content



Back to top  Message [Page 1 of 1]

Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum