The lights are up on Via de’ Tornabuoni, signalling the start of Christmas in Florence. But for an expat used to Rio summers, the holidays bring a unique chill. Join me as I explore the bittersweet trade-offs of life abroad, the battle of Panettone vs Pandoro, and how we build our own warmth in the heart of Tuscany.
Category Archives: Life in Italy
Florence Tourism 2025: What the Numbers Mean for Residents and Expats
Florence is enchanting, iconic, and—let’s be real—crowded. If you’re living here, you’re not just a city dweller—you’re part of a global stage. Here’s the latest 2025 data on tourism, how it affects daily life for expats in Florence, and why rumours of a 30% drop in American visitors simply don’t hold up. Florence Tourism atContinue reading “Florence Tourism 2025: What the Numbers Mean for Residents and Expats”
How to Rent a Luxury Property in Florence: A Step-by-Step Guide
Looking to rent a luxury property in Florence? This guide covers everything high-end clients need to know—from the best neighbourhoods to required documents and insider tips for navigating the local rental market. Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or family, avoid common mistakes and secure the ideal home in one of Italy’s most desirable cities.
About August
How is it possible that in August businesses close and Italy comes to a halt? Is this really a thing? Yes! My first experience in Europe was in England, where August, December, or any month is a work month, and the weather is so awful that you don’t even realise it’s summer. It came asContinue reading “About August”
The Paradox of Cost and Opportunity: Life as an Expat in Italy
It’s so affordable here… Italy: the land of pasta, pizza, and picturesque landscapes. It’s a country that often evokes dreams of la dolce vita – the sweet life. And indeed, there’s a certain allure to the Italian lifestyle, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and relatively low cost of living. However, beneath the surface liesContinue reading “The Paradox of Cost and Opportunity: Life as an Expat in Italy”
An Italian Funeral
Last Saturday morning my boyfriend and I woke up to the news that his 96 year old grandmother had died. She had been bed-ridden for the last 10 years, his mother was a full time carer for her and she wasn’t all that lucid, so it goes without saying that it was one of thoseContinue reading “An Italian Funeral”