Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Originally Posted by
volosong
If you know Spanish, Italian will be easy. On my trips to Italy, if I couldn't communicate in my very limited Italian, and they didn't understand English, when I talked to them in Spanish, the Italians understood completely. They couldn't talk back to me in Spanish, but understood what I wanted/needed.
What part of Italy you going? I'd love to go to one of the larger cities, but those are way too expensive. I might end up in a small village about an hour's drive from any major city. Far enough away to enjoy the dolce vita and fantastic cycling, but close enough to major airports and the symphony/opera.
Our situation is somewhat unique. My wife is a recent cancer survivor. She is now 100% healthy with a low risk of reoccurrence, but we have decided to retire early. She also is a Southern Italian native from Amentea, CZ. Her parents live a block from the beach and don’t really need caregiving, but are very elderly. We will have our own apartment attached to their residence.
The terrain in Southern Italy is much like the southern and central California coast with an almost identical climate. It’s very economical, and we should not need to touch our savings. I’ll be a EU citizen with full benefits. Americans with Italian heritage can become full citizens, otherwise legal residency can be difficult.
Southern Italy is less developed than northern Italy, but still modern. We will need to travel to Rome or Milan for the best healthcare and for culture and shopping. We will have a good international airport within 30 minutes. Most of the time we will enjoy a simple and relaxed dolce vita.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 05-20-12 at 09:44 AM.