This is my first entry with expat and I have a million questions and thoughts but I will start with one general honesty question. For multiple reasons I hope to initially visit and hopefully live in Italy some day. My mom is a 2nd generation Italian living in America and has visited Italy many times. She has never had anything but wonderful things to say about people and places she has seen. Honestly - how do Italians feel about Americans and the prospect of a family of five moving there. The media around here make it sound like every other country hates America.
Either way I won't be changing my mind because what I have seen, heard and read about Italy I love.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bohdi,

I can only speak about my own town. We live in a rural area and the people are generally reserved around outsiders- even from other parts of Italy. Once they get to know you they are very warm and friendly. They do have some preconceptions of Americans from years of watching dubbed American movies and TV shows, music etc. Here at least the preconceptions seem mostly favorable.

Others living in different areas may have completely the opposite experience.

I think Bill is right - depends on where you live to a certain extent. However, I have lived here a very long time and have rarely felt negative vibes, for lack of a better work, due to the fact that I am American. Many Italians don't particularly like the American government and its policies, but that doesn't extend to Americans as individuals.

I have to agree with Bill and Vicky. I'm Canadian with a Calabrese husband and black son and I live in a small town outside of Turin. People in Piemonte are generally closed, in small towns it's worse. My son was accepted without problems, don't know if it's cause he was only 3 1/2 when he arrived or if it's cause he's just so cute.

It took my husband and I 4 years to become "friends" with our neighbour who is our age and we lived in 4-apt. complex....

When I go to Calabria, I'm referred to as "the forestiere" - the stranger....so in general people are wary of newbies

Hello Bohdi!

Some regions of Italy, especially in the South, are full of people whose dream it still is to go to America. One of my dearest friends, who lives in a town which has seen a mass exodus has said many times "volenti o nolenti, we're all a little bit American." I believe that's how some Italians feel (not all). In general, Italians and Americans like each other, but Italians don't like our government... but with Obama in office, who knows what could happen?

Especially if you're American of Italian descent and try to learn the language and culture (and NOT be a Gotti kid and think Italy is just about the mafia and being a "goombah"-- God, I'm rolling my eyes right now at this second), Italians will love you. Every single time I'm there and I'm not around my family, random people tell me after they find out that I am Italian American, "no, you are ITALIAN". It just depends on your attitude.

I wouldn't worry if I were you. Basically, put out good vibes, and good vibes will come back to you! Good luck.

Ciao a tutti and grazie. Any future comments will be appreciated as well. About a week and a half ago I started to learn the language so that when I do come over I hopefully won't stumble around too much. My 6 yr old daughter is starting to join in a bit which keeps things fun.
We do keep a positive approach to things(as much as possible)and when you meet others that do it just makes things feel even better.
Not to get too political but what are some of the problems people have with the Gov. From what little I have read,overall, it is not too far off from what America seems to have. Taxes seem to be big in Italy but they are an ongoing topic here in Minnesota commonly refered to as an overtaxed state. Gas is down to $1.90 from $3.90 just 6mos ago. Thats a good thing.
Hope to talk more and eventually in Italian.

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Taxes seem to be big in Italy but they are an ongoing topic here in Minnesota commonly refered to as an overtaxed state. Gas is down to $1.90 from $3.90 just 6mos ago

Tell folks the gas over here is $9-$10 per gallon. They don't know how lucky they've got it.

My wife has visited France before and she said that gas was VERY expensive but I did not realize that much. I will remind everyone next time they go on a rant. The price of non-renewable products will go up.
Quick question: Why are the taxes and insurance on vehicles so high?
Fortunetly I have heard Italy has and continues to develope tremendous train/subway systems. With gas that high they have to.

I might be the only Italian in this thread (I think) and in general terms this is absolutely true:

quote:

Originally posted by Vicky:
Many Italians don't particularly like the American government and its policies, but that doesn't extend to Americans as individuals.

I’ll try to elaborate, knowing it’s a broad generalization, so please take it for what it is.

Many people have a not so favourable idea of the USA because of its generally aggressive foreign policy in recent decades and because of its practice of meddling in other countries’ internal affairs etc.etc. Right or wrong, I'm sure you know this already.
Other factors who don’t play in the USA’s favour are the widespread support of death penalty, the alleged “right to carry gun” (something that doesn’t go down well in Europe), certain manifestations of what we can call Sarah Palin’s trigger-happy America.
Of course you won’t probably have to argue about American foreign policy or about the gun lobby at your grocers’. But some, those who are more informed, might raise the occasional eyebrow if you were to have a conversation with them – not about YOU, of course, but about “that” America.
So much for bad news.

The (hugely predominant) good news is that the type of American that embodies the worst stereotypes is very unlikely to leave their county (no typo), so Americans who live in Italy are a sort of “self-selection”: the most curious about the world, the most open-minded, so the most pleasant to talk to.
Add to this the natural curiosity towards people who come from such a big country, the fact that most Italians have at least studied some English and – last but not least – the recent political turn of events and you’ll get the picture.
So no worries: I’d be VERY surprised if you were to meet any kind of animosity or resentment and your family of five would end up being the exotic complement of the neighbourhood.

Once again: this is a VERY broad generalization, not an essay on Italo-American relations, but since it comes from an Italian, you might like to have a look at it.

As for the taxes being higher, could it have something to do with the level of public expenses?
As a rule of thumb, Europe (not just Italy) tends to have higher taxes and more social services (healthcare, schools, etc. etc), whereas the US tends to have a more “everybody take care of themselves” approach.
Or is this just a gross simplification?

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the recent political turn of events

Do you mean Berlusconi and Lega Nord's landslide victory?

Uhhhhh... shall we go back to the original topic?

Bohdi, energy costs far more here than in other countries mainly because Italy has no natural energy resources, no nuclear energy, no wind farms, no space for sustainable biofuel agro-economy. Fact of life. Most of Italy, which is geographically pretty small when you compare it to its neighbours, is protected land for one reason or another, mostly having to do with heritage, art, etc. All its power comes from without, meaning it is also subject to political winds--not the kind that produce energy, unfortunately! The first thing you will have to brace yourself for is gob-smacking utility bills.

As for other concerns: Italians are if nothing else curious about other cultures and languages, and as long as you don't turn yourself into a one-family crime wave, you'll find most of them very welcoming. If you introduce children into the equation, you'll have them on your side in a heartbeat.

I have found this big anti-Americanism to be a bit of a canard, frankly, and most of it actually stems from expat Americans themselves (NOT necessarily fellow forum members!). The rest is political posturing, to be taken with a grain of salt. Bottom line: Italy has almost always sided with whatever US Pres was in office, although not always publicly; apart from carping and occasionally bleating, they've stuck with whatever the American electorate has foisted on them.

Bless 'em!

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All its power comes from without, meaning it is also subject to political winds--not the kind that produce energy, unfortunately!

If we could just hook Berlu to a wind turbine- energy crisis solved!

JAPrufrock - I don't think it's too much of an over simplification. A good number of Americans feel that they want to have the "freedom" to choose their healthcare, schools and all that with whatever they earn thinking that their choices will/are being limited. With the recent election the true division has come about between the two party members in regards to raising taxes on the wealthy to give money back to the poor. A grand idea in theory but as is being spoken over here, the numbers don't add up. Yes, if you receive a yearly check for $500 to $1,000 is very nice but in most areas that simply helps with that months mortgage or groceries. Again, helpful but not, as the president elect says, going to give those people who receive the check a chance at the "American Dream". I tend to be more on the fence with all that meaning if it is available and good then all is well. My issues with America are more personnal just like my desire to live in Italy. My only exposure to Italy has been articles read, google earth and this type of banter setting. And by the way if Italy is half as beautiful as the google pictures display then I am sure I will love it even more when I get there.
In regards to the taxes, the public services that are available was an assumption I held off on making. Light rail systems are being instituted over here and it reflects in some of the taxes going up regularly. I thought there may be other reasons.
My comparisons to Italy are based off the basics that will be involved with this type of move. Specific to the Turin area. It seems from what I have read the weather is real similar, although we get down to -40 degrees at times during winter. Only a few of the taxes seem much different. Everything is a cost comparison that will balance out. We don't make alot of money now and live within our means so I feel that simple adjustments could be made to make things work.
Sorry about rambling on I'll work on making my responses shorter. I'm really bad when it comes to voice mails as well, so my wife says.

Bill 2 - Curious about everything as I am - what/who is Berlusconi and Lega Nord's landslide victory?

Berlusconi is the Italian Prime Minister. Lega Nord is a right wing political party allied with Berlusconi. The landslide was their election last Spring.

MOst definetly, grazie filomena. My wife and I were reading through some of the Obama/anti Bush comments last night and it was fairly obvious not only were the people stood but were they were from. I don't agree with alot of the decisions that the politicians make over here but I do like to talk to others about them especially when some levity or down right good humor can be injected. Bill 2 seems to have some of that.

quote:

Originally posted by filomena:
Uhhhhh... shall we go back to the original topic?

Bohdi, energy costs far more here than in other countries mainly because Italy has no natural energy resources, no nuclear energy, no wind farms, no space for sustainable biofuel agro-economy. Fact of life. Most of Italy, which is geographically pretty small when you compare it to its neighbours, is protected land for one reason or another, mostly having to do with heritage, art, etc. All its power comes from without, meaning it is also subject to political winds--not the kind that produce energy, unfortunately! The first thing you will have to brace yourself for is gob-smacking utility bills.

As for other concerns: Italians are if nothing else curious about other cultures and languages, and as long as you don't turn yourself into a one-family crime wave, you'll find most of them very welcoming. If you introduce children into the equation, you'll have them on your side in a heartbeat.

I have found this big anti-Americanism to be a bit of a canard, frankly, and most of it actually stems from expat Americans themselves (NOT necessarily fellow forum members!). The rest is political posturing, to be taken with a grain of salt. Bottom line: Italy has almost always sided with whatever US Pres was in office, although not always publicly; apart from carping and occasionally bleating, they've stuck with whatever the American electorate has foisted on them.

Bless 'em!

Eventually I will figure out how to break down or pull a specific from a previous comment and comment on it. I have never taken part in anything like this expat and my computor skills are in question at times.

quote:

especially when some levity or down right good humor can be injected. Bill 2 seems to have some of that.

Thanks Bohdi. I wish others could see that- they sometimes take everything deadly serious. Using emoticons doesn't help- folks attribute sinister ironic meanings to them. What's a fella to do?

Filomena,
To segway(?) back to wind power - A while back I watched a Discovery special about this guy who ha developed and was being contracted to install these spiral forms that looked a bit like paint mixers. They were specifically made for inner city wind power put atop the buildings. They will supposedly produce twice as much energy and be twice as efficiant as the giant wind farm towers. Have you heard/seen of them. Is it breezy enough on a regular basis. The theory is they capture the wind coming around and over the buildings at which point the wind increases.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill 2:

quote:

especially when some levity or down right good humor can be injected. Bill 2 seems to have some of that.

What's a fella to do?

Smile and wave

oh oh ! One minesota citizen, wow! I'm italian and my partner is Oregonian, but he have some descent that live there in the great lake area of Baudette, Williams Lake of the woods county up in the north......brrrrrrrrrr so cold there! But may fish Wallay...hee hee. I have been there many times and i can tell you that i was treated well just like we treat well all american people here in italy. The only things like someone say we hated Mr. Bush just like we hate Mr. Berlusconi.
We will be there again for the independence day, what about a stop over before to go up in the north to say HALLLLLO we are here! hee hee

Bill 2 - i do like the banter you and others have here. My wife agreed you have a good sense of humor about things. We were reading some entries about The Secret that you and others made. Very funny although my wife has never seen The Meaning of Life or any Monte Python for that matter.

Question, what do you feel the general opinion of tattoos are. Certain things are obvious in any country but acceptance does vary.

You've stumped on the tattoos. I've no idea.