One of the many unexpected side effects of starting my own business is the amount of praise and admiration I receive from friends and relatives. People take their time to tell me how impressed they are, what a great job I’m doing and at times what an inspiration I am to them. This, together withContinue reading “The Invisible Partner”
Author Archives: Danielle Leite
Expectations vs Realities of Florence
By Abigail Ferenz and Dr. Paolo Molino Edited and published with permission. Preparing to temporarily live abroad for an internship in Florence, Italy, I always heard of the beauty and adventure the city has to offer being a main hub within the Tuscan region. Consistently, when sharing my plans to go abroad, those around meContinue reading “Expectations vs Realities of Florence”
Friendships matter
I have been an expat for most of my life. I was born in Brazil and lived there until the age of 15 when I left for England, never to return to live in my own country. I’ve since lived in France and now also Italy, so after a childhood with the same house, friends,Continue reading “Friendships matter”
Tinder life
I’ve recently had a few (female) clients ask me about dating in Florence. As they plan to relocate to Florence, they’re thinking ahead to ensure an Italian romance is on the cards. It so happens I’m a bit of an expert…some context for you: I arrived in Italy married to the father of my children,Continue reading “Tinder life”
Reverse culture shock
So you’ve moved to Florence, you’re learning Italian, the culture doesn’t seem all that strange to you anymore. You’ve made new friends, the kids are happy in their school, you even have a couple of new hobbies, and then the inevitable happens, you go back home or you visit your home country, and boy, doesContinue reading “Reverse culture shock”
Driving in Italy
No, this is not a blog about crazy Italian drivers and how brave you need to be to drive here, although yes, Italian drivers are crazy and you do need to be very brave to drive in Italy. Some stereotypes exist for a reason. This is a blog about the hidden side of driving inContinue reading “Driving in Italy”
It can hurt to be an expat
I have in the last couple of days, attended my second funeral in quick succession, another of my ex-boyfriend’s relatives has died. As I stood in the same church from a couple of months ago, it dawned on me how I don’t have any memories of doing the same for members of my family, andContinue reading “It can hurt to be an expat”
A sick boy
Last Friday night I had to take my 13 year old to the hospital here in Florence, we went to the Meyer. Before I tell you how it went, let me tell you more about my boy. The boy Tiago is 13 years old and has been to hospital just once before in his life,Continue reading “A sick boy”
Is a life in Florence for you?
This is not an easy question to ask yourself. But be brutally honest, can you handle all the pitfalls, bureaucracy and inevitable disappointments that come with a move to a foreign country? I will never stop being amazed at the resilience and sheer strength of my clients. People determined to make a life in Florence,Continue reading “Is a life in Florence for you?”
My gym in Italy
A candid and funny look at a personal experience at a gym in Italy.