Interview with Bob & Rosemary in Perugia
City? Perugia, Italy but will move to Sicily and other points eventually
Date of Interview? Aug. 18, 2005
Blog http://www.livecheapmakeart.blogspot.com
Let us know a little about yourself?
Married since 1969. Both born in NYC. Rosemary in “City Line�Brooklyn and Bob in Woodhaven, Queens. We moved in 1973 to Phoenix (Metro area) Arizona. Bob worked for the Tempe Fire Department from 1973 to 1999 when he retired as a Captain. In January 2000 Bob began a short (5 year) career teaching photography at Westwood High in Mesa Arizona. In May 2005 Bob stopped working for good (I hope) to prepare to move to Italy. Rosemary worked for 20 years as a Senior Graphic Designer for some of the best design firms in the Phoenix area. When Bob retired for the final time she decided that she had had enough of work and “retired�to move to Italy.
Why did you decide to move to Italy?
We have dreamed of living in Europe for a long time and after a few trips to various countries of Europe we decided that Italy offered most everything we wanted in our life. We chose Perugia as our starting place because of its central location, large city lifestyle, Universita per Stranieri and friendly citizens. We have not been disappointed by any part of our stay in Perugia or Italy.
What type of process did you go through to be able to move here?
We had a fairly simple process getting our Extended Stay Visa through the Los Angeles Consulate office.
What problems did you run into during the initial process and how were you able to fix them?
Any problems we had were due to our misinterpretation of the guidelines. We had two sets of fingerprints run because we did not realize that when Italy says police they mean federal police, “FBI� We did our local police then had it redone by the FBI which takes much longer than we expected (post September 11th). The only other problem was one of “meaning�when they say LETTER they mean letter. They asked for a letter from our bank stating our current balances. I brought bank statements so I had to fax them a copy of a letter from each of my banks. I must say that I felt that the staff in Los Angeles was friendly and helpful once I met with them and had the correct paperwork.
How long have you been here? We arrived April 2, 2005
What type of adjustment problems have you had?
The only problem we are having to adjust to is “riposo�the break businesses take between 1300 and 1430. Not being morning people we find that about the time we are ready start our days adventures everyone else is ready for a “riposino�nap.
What do you wish someone had told you before you made the leap ?
Know the language very well don’t rely on finding English speakers.
What inside secret could you pass on to others looking to move over?
Look to the local university to help you find an apartment and for the many free events and services they provide students as well as anyone who asks
Do you have any disappointments, things you thought would happen but haven't for whatever reasons ?
Because we are not fluent in the language we have not made a connection with the locals as we had hoped.
What has changed about you since you have been here ?
Too soon to tell.
Do you think that you will stay forever?
No, We have planned on two years and will probably go home some time soon after two years are up. We have a new granddaughter waiting for us.