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.
Tag Archives: expat life
Moving to Florence: The Unspoken Loss of Self
Scroll through social media, and you’ll see the highlight reel of moving abroad: a toast with a new friend against a stunning sunset, the first triumphant trip to a local market, the romantic shot of an ancient, winding street. From the outside, it looks like a seamless adventure—a beautiful, exciting new chapter. But anyone whoContinue reading “Moving to Florence: The Unspoken Loss of Self”
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”
The Expat Christmas
I can’t count how many Christmases I’ve spent away from loved ones, it’s been too many. Being away from family can really suck from time to time, and the holidays is definitely a time when it sucks bad. Before I moved abroad, Christmases were very predictable, but in the best possible way. I went toContinue reading “The Expat Christmas”
The reverse experience
Reversing down a country road at night in Florence to find a friend’s home, the side of expat life we don’t talk about: feeling lost and silly. Does being an expat give you superpowers? Do you learn new skills? Oh the joys…it’s all worth in the end, really, you’ll see.