Interview with Brendan in Rome

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Name: Brendan

Blog: www.romanwineco.com

Date of Interview: March 27, 2007

Area of Italy you live in?

Rome

Let us know a little about yourself?

I am originally from Long Island, NY, USA and I have been living in Italy for about 6 years (2 in Firenze, 4 in Roma). I am not married, but I have a girlfriend and I will soon own an apartment with her. I will be 30 years old in May.

Why did you decide to move to Italy?

I did a study abroad program in Florence, and then I decided to come back a few years after I graduated from university. It was supposed to be a 2-month trip. Well, a few months turned into 5 years and counting.

What type of process did you go through to be able to move here?

My father was born in the UK, so I found out I was eligible for UK citizenship. I showed up at the UK embassy with some documents in hand, filled out an application, and they Fedexed me the passport in a week. I am lucky because my parents had all of these documents (my birth cert. my father's, their marriage cert.) in order.

What problems did you run into during the initial process and how were you able to fix them ?

None in particular.

How long have you been here?

I spent a year studying in Florence from 1998 to 1999. I moved here permanently in May 2002. A total of 6 years of my life have been spent in Italy.

What type of adjustment problems have you had?

None in particular. I had trouble adjusting to the fact that I might spend my whole life far away from my friends and family, but I go home often enough now where it is not an issue.

What inside secret could you pass on to others looking to move over?

Do not expect things to work as they do in your home country. Italy is very unique. Come over with a very open mind and be prepared to learn a lot. If you always think "In the US this would happen, in the UK they would do that, this works better in Germany" then you will drive yourself nuts.

Do you have any disappointments, things you thought would happen but haven't for whatever reasons ?

Not yet.

What has changed about you since you have been here ?

I have become a bit lazier. Not to say that Italians are lazy, but I do think it is easier to be lazier here than it is in the US.

Do you think that you will stay forever?

I don't know.