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”
Tag Archives: expat problems
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 Son of the Expat Daughter
I have now, for the first time, had the privilege of visiting my grown-up son at his home, and needless to say, he’s not in the same country as me. I never imagined being on this side of the expat life, the mum whose child lives away, because I was always that child. Like mostContinue reading “The Expat Son of the Expat Daughter”
Being the minority
It’s not easy being “other”, being the one who does not belong. But what is an expat life if not exactly that? When we leave our country in the hopes of making a new life somewhere else, we must also understand that the people who live in this place, whose lives have been spent there,Continue reading “Being the minority”
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.
Navigating the Challenges of Relocating to Florence: A Personal Journey
My journey: I want to briefly share my personal journey of relocating to Florence. It was a whirlwind of emotions, discoveries, and challenges. From the initial decision to move here to starting my own business, every step has been a testament to the resilience and support that surround us in this remarkable city. In thisContinue reading “Navigating the Challenges of Relocating to Florence: A Personal Journey”
The Invisible Partner
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”
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”