Interview with JoanSi in Venice

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Name: Jil

Date of Interview: November 14, 2007

Area of Italy you live in?

Venice

Let us know a little about yourself?

I am married to the same man for 33 years. We left New York City 5 years ago to live, travel and work in a 5th wheel RV. We retired about a year ago and decided to move to Venice, Italy.

Why did you decide to move to Italy?

We have always loved Venice, have friends here and wanted a place where we did not need a car

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

We went through the Chicago consulate to get our long stay visa. Thanks to this website the process was relatively easy. For the most part the consulate was helpful in answering my emails.

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

We really did ot have any problems...the first time around the FBI could not read my fingerprints so I redid them and when we got to the Consulate with all our papers(so we thought) we had to have our rental lease registered. That took an extra week but after that we were approved. The fact that the lease was not registered was our error not theirs.

How long have you been here?

We arrived on August 1, 2007

What type of adjustment problems have you had?

So far we have had no adjustment problems. Language is the only thing we lack but we went for an immersion course for a month and try to speak Italian every chance we can, which in Venice can be difficult. When they hear you are an American they always talk to you in English.

What do you wish someone had told you before you made the leap?

You should have done it sooner

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

I don't htink it is a secret becasue it is what everyone says....go with the flow, enjoy the culture, the people, the ambiance.....try not to think like an American....you came for the change.

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

Only the PdiS taking so long....we want to extend our stay...but we will see what happens and that the dollar is not so great at this moment.....

What has changed about you since you have been here ?

I think I am calmer and I am learning how to cook great Italian.

Do you think that you will stay forever?

No...but who knows

Can you think of any other questions that should be added to this questionnaire?

No, I think you covered it all.

Can you think of anything that you would like seen added to this site?

No, I think it is great the way it is and it seems to evolve when new things are needed.

Comments?

Thanks for starting this site.